There are plenty of gaming podcasts discussing what’s going on in the industry. This isn’t more of the same. Instead, this iGB series, in partnership with RubyPlay, aims to dig into the philosophical, psychological, economic, technological and societal dimensions of the gambling industry. Hosted by Dr Eyal Loz, there’s no surface-level chatter here, Dr Eyal and his stellar list of guest speakers focus on answering the big questions, and embark on some serious taboo-orientated, myth-busting, and thought-provoking conversations.

In our fifth episode, Alea co-founder Alexandre Tomic and Dr Eyal aim to answer the question: why the shame in iGaming? And why do we say the iGaming industry instead of the gambling industry? The pair unpack the taboo surrounding iGaming. From the professional perspective of those working within the sector to the societal attitudes shaping player behaviour, they unlock why gambling continues to carry shame and what that means for operators, employees, and players alike. Loz and Tomic look to explore the origins of internalized shame, industry perception, and strategies to break the taboo and foster a more honest and inclusive conversation around iGaming.

You can also catch the episode on Apple here.

Christie, a former New Jersey governor, served as the lead plaintiff in the 2018 PASPA case, one that led to the largest expansion of legalised sports betting in US history. Following 2017 oral arguments before the Supreme Court, Christie argued on the famed steps that the federal government overstepped the Constitution with its 1992 ban of sports gambling.

Now, as players from the NBA and MLB are facing a slew of criminal charges in connection with match manipulation, Christie contends that the system is working. The players are among more than three dozen defendants charged by the US Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York in a sweeping illegal poker-sports betting case. Last week, Christie went on a media blitz to double down on his position.

In stating his claims, Christie wrote in a guest essay for The New York Times that when it comes to “ensuring the integrity of sports”, legal betting has achieved more in seven years than “prohibition did for decades before”.

Concerns about sports betting integrity

Last month, two days after the start of the NBA regular season, prosecutors from the Eastern District named 38 defendants in the comprehensive case, including three figures from the NBA. Among them are Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of deliberately underperforming in several statistical categories to ensure the outcome of a prop bet. Interim US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. described the case as the largest investigation of the sports betting market since the PASPA decision.

The Rozier case and others are not signs of a “system in crisis”, Christie wrote, but rather confirmation that proper mechanisms are in place to “catch the cheating”.

In response to the indictments, the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce wrote a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver seeking information on the actions the league plans to take to limit the “disclosure of non-public information” for betting purposes. The committee is examining allegations of illegal gambling and sports rigging that resulted in “tens of millions of dollars in fraud, theft and robbery”, according to the letter.

The allegations raise “serious concerns about sports betting and the integrity of sport in the NBA, which harms fans and legal sports bettors”, stated the letter from congressmen Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Frank Pallone Jr of New Jersey.

Tonko: Voluntary self-policing has failed

Since PASPA’s repeal, leading proponents of the regulated markets have called on the US Justice Department to crack down on betting in the offshore black market, where Americans still wager billions per year. Still, some argue that offshore sites maintain guardrails on betting that legal apps do not offer.

One insider, who spoke with iGB on Monday, said the limits for player props, if offered at all, are very low on the offshore sites. By comparison, the defendants in the current case allegedly placed five-figure wagers on a litany of props.

Representative Paul Tonko of New York has also contacted the NBA to express his discontent with the uptick in criminal allegations. Tonko, co-author of the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, has sought to establish a federal framework for the legal sports wagering market. Alarmed by the criminal accusations, Tonko contends that professional sports leagues have prioritised commercial partnerships with gambling operators over integrity.

“Claims of prioritising integrity ring hollow when leagues have sold credibility to gambling operators, integrated betting content into broadcasts, normalised wagering for teenagers, glorified it in advertising, and then failed to prevent criminal conduct from taking hold within the sport,” Tonko wrote in a series of letters to Silver and six other commissioners.

Tonko took it one step further, contending that the reliance on “voluntary self-policing” in the legal sports betting industry has failed. If the integrity of professional sports depends on federal law enforcement alone, the current system is already broken, Tonko mused.

“The choice before you is now explicit. Either engage directly with Congress to establish mandatory federal guardrails that restore integrity and protect the public, or stand in opposition and accept responsibility when the next scandal breaks and more families and lives are destroyed,” he wrote.

Pitch-by-pitch wagering

However, Christie countered concerns about integrity in his pointed op-ed piece, as he enumerated the detection capabilities at the disposal of sportsbook operators. In using sophisticated high-tech software, several sportsbooks detected unusual betting patterns in recent cases and flagged them to regulators, Christie wrote.

The former New Jersey governor also discussed the transparency of the regulated market in an interview on ESPN with Stephen A Smith. In the poker matter, three New York mob families backed the rigged games, then took a cut of the action, prosecutors allege. If an organised crime family detects illegal sports betting activity, it is foolish to believe that they will “pick up the phone” and call NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, or his counterparts at the NBA and MLB, Christie argued.

After the NBA case broke, a judge unsealed further indictments that resulted in the arrests of two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians. The MLB pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, are accused of conspiring with gamblers to rig the outcomes of pitch-by-pitch betting props. The bettors won approximately $450,000 on the wagers in question, including roughly $38,000 on a single pitch from Clase, according to prosecutors.

“Regulated betting didn’t create these integrity issues, it has revealed them,” Christie stated.

NBA launches internal investigation

One defendant in the recent NBA sports betting case, former guard Damon Jones, has ties to the Los Angeles Lakers. A close friend of LeBron James, Jones served as an unofficial assistant on the Lakers’ bench in 2022-23. Jones is accused of disseminating non-public information of a James injury to a bettor, who capitalised on the inside info. Jones has pleaded not guilty to several felony charges related to the gambling probe.

The NBA has hired an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment. Multiple teams have been approached by investigators, including the Lakers, ESPN reported. In addition, a Lakers assistant trainer and an executive administrator voluntarily gave up their phones to investigators, according to The Athletic.

“As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organisations were asked to preserve documents and records,” the NBA wrote in a statement. “Everyone has been fully cooperative.”

Former college player admits to point shaving

On Monday, former University of New Orleans guard Cedquavious “Dae Dae” Hunter admitted that he manipulated the outcome of several games in the 2024-25 season. Appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America”, Hunter explained that he devised code words with a teammate to indicate that they planned to shave points.

Hunter also admitted that he previously lied to NCAA investigators about his participation in the scheme. Investigators from the NCAA also determined that players from Arizona State and Mississippi Valley State allegedly took part in separate point-shaving schemes.

“I just had a child, and the school wasn’t paying me money,” Hunter said. “ I was trying to get money to actually take care of my child.”

While several defendants from the federal case based in Brooklyn have reportedly been tied to the college point-shaving scandal, Nocella said his office is not investigating the college probe.

Christie, meanwhile, appears to discourage the federal government from intervening in the legal sports betting market.

“New Jersey has built a system that doesn’t just collect taxes, it builds trust,” he wrote. “There’s no denying that sports betting is more visible than it was a decade ago – that’s by design. Legal markets bring sunlight, they create standards and they bring better accountability.”

A cross-industry campaign that has been running for several years, Safer Gambling Week focuses on promoting safe gambling behaviour among players. This includes highlighting the various tools available to consumers in European markets.

The 2025 campaign runs from 17-23 November, with the hashtags #SGWeek #SGWeek25. It will again be organised by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), with support from local organisations in participating countries.

What are operators doing this year?

Flutter Entertainment has announced it will run a series of activities during the week. This includes hosting a town hall, where brand CEOs will share best practices and insights on how their teams are advancing responsible gambling goals. This forms part of the group’s Play Well responsible gambling initiative.

Flutter will also run a lived experience panel with EPIC Global Solutions, demonstrating to staff how education drives progress in the sector.

Meanwhile, a Central & Eastern Europe Play Well Day will share progress across the region to facilitate meaningful development. In addition, sustainability reporting manager Ryan Heslop will join an EGBA webinar on how to turn data into action when measuring what works in player protection.

“Collaboration is how we make meaningful progress – both within Flutter and across the industry – and this week is an important moment for it,” Flutter said in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, Merkur Casino UK said it would share key messages that encourage informed, balanced play across the operator.

Is AI the future of safer gambling?

Playtech has used Safer Gambling Week 2025 to speak about its work with AI and responsible gambling. In a LinkedIn post, Playtech said AI remained “central” to advancing player protection, with machine learning enabling early detection by analysing behavioural patterns across millions of data points, identifying risk before harm occurs.

However, Playtech said this must be supported by wider collaboration across the industry, and projects such as Safer Gambling Week help champion this approach.

“We’re continuing to explore generative AI to deliver personalised support at scale, real-time insights and adaptive messaging that meet individual player needs while preserving human empathy,” Playtech said.

“But technology alone isn’t enough. Safer gambling requires collaboration, transparency and a shared commitment to measurable outcomes. Together, we can build an ecosystem that protects the vulnerable and remains commercially sustainable for the long term.”

Seeking to better record Safer Gambling Week 2024

Organisers have utilised the campaign to improve player uptake of safer gambling tools. Last year in the UK and Ireland, over 1.5 million unique accounts used a safer gambling tool throughout the week, up 22% year-on-year. Deposit limits also climbed 14%, with nearly half set for the first time.

In addition, the 2024 programme set new social media records. Last year’s campaign generated over 60 million impressions across platforms including X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

“The week sees the whole industry coming together to further promote safer gambling for the millions of people who enjoy a regular flutter,” Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst said. “It’s a time to highlight all the tools available so that customers can stay in control. And to signpost help and advice to those who need it.”

Over the years, the campaign has also drawn support from the government and the British Gambling Commission. This year the regulator noted that player protection tools were progressing, but warned the sector must ensure these measures are “widely promoted”.

“Collaboration and evidence-based action remain central to making gambling in Great Britain fairer, safer and crime-free.” Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes said in a statement. “Safer Gambling Week is an important moment for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to protecting customers and promoting responsible play.”

Baroness Twycross, Under-Secretary of State for DCMS reiterated the government’s committment to “reducing harmful gambling and protecting those at risk”.

“We welcome the contribution that Safer Gambling Week makes. It provides a good opportunity to highlight the tools and support that is available to people who may need it,” she added.

Carried out in partnership with IFF Research, the report considered neurodivergent peoples’ needs in terms of gambling harm. It focused on the support currently available to them and how this can be improved to improve the quality of help.

This included how neurodivergent people often face barriers to access support and being unaware of specialist treatment available to them. It also flagged how stigma and fear of judgment discourage people from seeking help for gambling-related harm.

GambleAware urges improved neurodiversity focus

Among the key recommendations from the new report was to build a neurodiversity-aware gambling industry workforce. GambleAware said operators should consider the needs of neurodivergent individuals when developing harm minimisation and protection measures.

The charity also called for the embedding awareness of neurodivergent characteristics in support access, risk assessment, support and treatment approaches. This should include making screening for neurodivergent characteristics, and adapted support plans, a required part of assessments.

Other key recommendations were to adopt a peer-led and co-produced support as standard. The charity said this should include developing structured peer support programmes led by trained neurodivergent mentors or facilitators.

On top of this, GambleAware called for strengthened data collection and monitoring for support and treatment improvements. In addition, it called for more funding to improve understanding on what works and build a movement to put this knowledge into practice.

Alongside these conclusions, the report set out six key principles on which gambling support and treatment approaches should be based to provide the best help for service users with neurodivergence.

These included understanding and adapting to the diversity of communication needs that neurodivergent people have; ensuring clarity and simplicity in communications, as well as providing support to promote the autonomy and independence of neurodivergent users.

Other principles were to provide support in environments that consider the sensory needs of people with neurodivergence. GambleAware also urged promoting the use of self-directed approaches such as self-help tools and to ensure staff are trained in neurodiversity awareness and different communication methods.

Increased likelihood of gambling harms

The report follows earlier GambleAware research that highlighted an increased likelihood of neurodivergent people experiencing gambling harms. Published in March, the report said people with conditions such as ADHD or autism may use gambling as a “coping mechanism”, despite not gambling more than those who are neurotypical.

“Characteristics like difficulty navigating social interactions, impulsivity, hyperfocus, preference for order and a need for stimulation can drive gambling in neurodivergent people,” the latest report said: “Gambling may also help neurodivergent people experiencing social isolation to cope with its effects.

“However, many of the reasons why neurodivergent people gamble in the first place can also serve as drivers of gambling harm for those who experience it. This can result in negative consequences including financial strain, relationship breakdowns, negative impacts on health and wellbeing and setbacks in employment or education.”

New resources to support neurodivergent people

GambleAware has made available new resources to further support neurodivergent users.

These, it said, were designed to enable therapists and practitioners to improve the support they provide for clients with gambling harms and neurodivergence. GambleAware said this would help ensure those clients can get the tailored support they need.

Resources include training materials, toolkits and case studies designed to build confidence, reduce barriers and promote inclusive, effective support. They were developed from a mix of research evidence, insights from lived experience and expert guidance.

“The new report highlights the complex link between neurodivergence and gambling,” said GambleAware CEO Anna Hargrave. “Characteristics of neurodivergence like impulsivity, hyperfocus, social difficulties and a need for stimulation drive gambling behaviour and increase harms, while stigma, shame and lack of tailored support further isolate neurodivergent people and make it harder for them to seek help.

“The resources we have produced are designed to support therapists and practitioners working with clients who experience both gambling harms and neurodivergence. They address a critical evidence gap in understanding how gambling harms affect neurodivergent people and how treatment can be tailored most effectively to ensure it is as effective as possible.”

In a memo disseminated to all 32 teams on Thursday, the league wrote that it is working with legislators and regulators on the state level to limit and, where possible, “prohibit altogether” prop bets on the sport. The NFL cited the criminal probe as impetus for engaging with state leaders in reviewing props it views as detrimental to the integrity of the sport.

The league drew particular attention to props that can be controlled by one player on a specific play. The NFL alluded to wagers on a kicker to miss a field goal or for the next pass to fall incomplete, as examples that fit the criteria.

“Our commercial agreements are regularly reviewed and updated to prohibit wagers that are tied to the kind of conduct that was identified in recent federal law enforcement activity,” the NFL wrote in the memo. “We maintain regular contact with state officials to ensure that these wagers are appropriately addressed.”

Potential prohibited NFL prop bets

The league outlined several categories of prop wagers for further review:

• Inherently objectionable props: The NFL views these props as markets or bets that are inherently designed to be “derogatory, inflammatory or otherwise based on subject matter against public policy”. Props on player injuries, fan safety and misconduct fall within the category, according to the memo.
• Officiating-related bets: The league is pushing for restrictions on props associated with officiating. The NFL alluded to wagers on officiating assignments, penalties and replays there.
• Pre-determined outcome props: In this category, the NFL flagged wagering activity on pre-determined outcomes directly related to on-field competition. The NFL has frowned upon props on whether the first offensive play will be a run or a pass. The league is also deterring operators from offering props on which quarterback will start in a given week. On Polymarket, a leading prediction market website, customers can trade on whether Shedeur Sanders will start a game this season. The NFL issued a memo over the summer stating that it believes that trading on prediction markets constitutes “prohibited gambling activity”.

On the collegiate level, NCAA President Charlie Baker has barnstormed the country to advocate for a nationwide ban on props involving student-athletes. In response to Thursday’s memo, Baker commended the NFL for its vigilance toward protecting the integrity of the sport.

NFL discussions with state gambling regulators

While the NFL said it has met with various state regulators on prop activity, the league did not disclose the names of the actual states. At the moment, sports betting is legal in more than 35 states nationwide.

Given the fragmented landscape, it is up to each state to develop a sports wagering catalogue for the approval of certain props. In Colorado, for instance, the Division of Gaming rejected a proposed wager on whether any scoring drive in the Super Bowl would be shorter than the length of the national anthem. Last month, the division rejected a proposed wager on whether the jersey number of a touchdown scorer would be odd or even. However, the division approved a prop that enables customers to bet on whether the first offensive play will result in a safety.

On Friday, iGB spoke with a regulator from another state on the condition of anonymity who indicated that he is in favour of any action by a professional sports league that contains positive steps to “ensure the integrity” of its betting products.

Landscape for NFL prop bets memo

The NFL memo comes amid a number of gambling scandals involving US pro leagues.

The federal investigation in the Eastern District of New York has ensnared more than three dozen defendants in a joint poker and illegal sports betting probe involving prominent NBA players.

Separately, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase made an initial appearance on Thursday at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn. Both Clase and teammate Luis Ortiz have pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges in connection with a comprehensive pitch-rigging scheme.

Since the 2018 PASPA decision on sports betting, the NFL has suspended several prominent players for league violations on sports wagering, most notably Calvin Ridley, Jameson Williams and Isaiah Rodgers Sr.

“From the earliest days of legal sports betting, we have recognised the particular risks associated with prop bets and the corrosive effect they have on fan perceptions, league reputation and the safety of players, club staff and game officials,” the NFL wrote in the memo.

Problem gambling data was among several key statistics included in the regulator’s “Young People and Gambling 2025” report. Produced by Ipsos, the report is based on data collected from 3,666 pupils within the 11-17 age group in Britain.

Key findings included the problem gambling rate among those young people who responded to the questionnaire. Those in this category said they had undertaken four or more behaviours or activities in a youth-adapted problem gambling screen.

Some 1.2% of respondents fell into the problem gambling category, which the commission said was “statistically stable” with last year’s rate of 1.5%. Those who scored two or three were seen as “at risk”, with 2.2% in this category. A further 27% scored one or zero and were classed as not experiencing problems with gambling.

Findings were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition – Multiple Response Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR-J) screen. This psychometric tool is used to give young people a score for gambling harms similar to the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PSGI).

DSM-IV-MR-J features nine items to assess if those who gamble are defined as experiencing problems. Among these are thinking about or planning to gamble, using gambling to escape problems, and gambling leading to arguments with family or friends.

More youngsters spending their own money on gambling

Other stand-out findings from the report include that 49% of pupils surveyed participated in gambling in some form during the past 12 months. Of those who gambled, 30% spent their own money, a slight increase from 27% in the previous year.

The reason for this increase, the commission said, was primarily a rise in unregulated gambling. Some 18% of young people who gambled did so via an unregulated vertical, a rise from 15% in 2024.

The most popular form of gambling young people spent their own money on was either legal or did not feature age-restricted products. Some 21% played arcade gaming machines such as penny pushers, 14% bet with friends or family, while 5% played cards for money with friends or family.

It was also noted that 23% of respondents spent their own money on regulated gambling, including arcade gaming machines. When these machines were removed, the rate fell to 6%, in line with last year.

Social media influencers promoting gambling

The report also flagged lasting concerns over the impact of social media advertising on young peoples’ gambling habits.

Some 49% said they saw gambling adverts on social media at least once a week, while 47% reported seeing ads within apps. Boys were seemingly most exposed, with 53% reporting seeing ads on YouTube, compared to 31% of girls.

Also on social media, the commission raised the issue of influencers. Of those surveyed, 31% who saw gambling content on social media reported influencers who advertised such content.

As to why young people choose to gamble, 78% who used their own money said they did so as they saw gambling as a “fun” activity. Some 36% gambled to win something, even if it was not a big prize, while 34% wanted to win money.

In terms of other impact on the behaviour of young people, 29% said they had seen family members they live with gamble. Of this group, 7% indicated it had resulted in arguments or tension at home. However, 9% said gambling by a family member helped to pay for things like holidays.

Commission commits to improved protection

Commenting on the report, Tim Miller, executive director of research and policy for the Gambling Commission, played down the increase in gambling activity among young people.

He said that rather than children being encouraged or allowed to gamble driving the rise, it was higher participation in gambling that is either legal or does not require regulation, such as private betting between friends.

“Even with that increased participation, the percentage of those scoring four or more on the youth-adapted problem gambling screen has not increased but has moved from 1.5% last year to 1.2% this year, which is classed as statistically stable,” he said.

However, Miller said the commission would use the latest dataset to consider how the regulator can further improve protection measures for young people in Britain.

“Where it relates to regulated forms of gambling, we use the data to continuously keep under review and, where needed, strengthen the suite of protections for young people that we require gambling companies to have in place,” he said.

IBIA is fresh from unveiling new branding and Mission 2030, a new five-year plan for the sports integrity body, and Ali joins Ed Birkin and Robin Harrison to discuss the evolving nature of integrity threats.

But that comes with growing acceptance and engagement from international sports governing bodies, with IBIA taking a seat at the table alongside the likes of Fifa and the International Olympic Committee. 

Ali also shares his thoughts on the unfolding NBA gambling scandal. Even if the sports integrity risk were flagged by licensed bookmakers and the alarm raised, it’s never good for the industry he says. However, the fact there is a licensed and monitored industry meant that the betting element involving Terry Rozier was uncovered. Without regulation, it could have been a very different story.

On iOS? So is Right to the Source! 

Is Banijay’s acquisition of Tipico creating the next industry disruptor?

But before he joins Right to the Source, there’s Betclic owner Banijay Group’s acquisition of Tipico to consider. Ed is dubious as to whether it’s going to move the needle.

Robin, on the other hand, argues that it could herald disruption coming from tightly regulated, highly taxed markets. 

Companies used to working in these conditions could survive and thrive while the current top-tier operators adjust to tax rises in markets such as the UK and the Netherlands, he argues. But is he just saying that to annoy Ed?

We even find time to share some listener stats and read through some of the YouTube comments. After that, we won’t dare to forget Winamax again.

There are plenty of gaming podcasts discussing what’s going on in the industry. This isn’t more of the same. Instead, this iGB series, in partnership with RubyPlay, aims to dig into the philosophical, psychological, economic, technological and societal dimensions of the gambling industry. Hosted by Dr Eyal Loz, there’s no surface-level chatter here, Dr Eyal and his stellar list of guest speakers focus on answering the big questions, and embark on some serious taboo-orientated, myth-busting and thought-provoking conversations.

In our fourth episode, we analyse the concept: players play to play, not to win. But why? Dr Eyal and Kasra Ghaharian explore how iGaming products are deliberately designed to prolong user engagement, sometimes to the point of addiction. The pair discuss what should be done in order to morally and ethically encourage engagement but also what measures need to be enforced for gamers to protect their wellbeing. 

You can also check out the episode on Apple podcasts here

Better Gambling Forum reveals global strategy

The Better Gambling Forum has announced its framework for global player protection at the UN General Assembly.

The Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework comprises six pillars. The framework, the organisation said, was designed to complement, rather than compete with, existing responsible gambling efforts

Pillars include Education, Informed Choice and Harm Prevention; Risk Detection and Intervention; Support, Treatment and Recovery; Gambling Environment, Product and Marketing; Ethical Industry Practices and Accountability; and Research, Evaluation and Sustainable Funding.

“The pillars are designed to address this challenge and serve as a foundational structure for jurisdictions seeking to create a ‘gold standard’ guide for gambling awareness, treatment programmes and regulations,” said Francis Keyser, a committee member and senior vice president of product at Everi Holdings.

Konami confirms vice president promotions

Konami Gaming has announced a series of internal promotions to vice president, expanding its senior management team.

Jeff George has been appointed as vice president of customer support within the company’s research and development department. Adriane McGrath will become the vice president of professional services and Eddie Sepich will be vice president of embedded and interface development.

Meanwhile, Brian Alu will serve as vice president of information technology, Jeanie Griese as vice president of human resources and Noah VanWetten as vice president of supply chain, purchasing and manufacturing.

“The latest additions to Konami’s senior management team exemplify the level of service, integrity, innovation and teamwork that is core to our company values and long-term success,” said Tom Jingoli, president and chief operating officer at Konami.

Gaming Corps hands top commercial role to Greensmith

Gaming Corps has appointed Graham Greensmith as its new chief commercial officer.

Greensmith joins with more than 20 years of experience from commercial management roles within the industry. He was most recently head of commercial development at Inspired.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Gaming Corps at the most exciting phase of their ambitious journey,” he said. “The goal is clear, to become the vendor of choice for operators, producing games of the highest quality, known and enjoyed on a global scale.”

Big Daddy Gaming lands Swedish licence

Slots studio Big Daddy Gaming has secured a gaming software supplier licence in Sweden.

Issued by regulator Spelinspektionen, the licence enables the studio to bring its slots games to the regulated Swedish market. This will begin before the end of the year, with the first deals to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“This is a major validation of our compliance standards and technical readiness,” Big Daddy Gaming CEO Erland Hellstrom said. “Sweden is an essential market in our growth strategy. Securing this approval allows us to immediately begin servicing our operator partners here.”

Bragg expands iGaming presence in Romania

Bragg Gaming Group has announced the launch of its premium content suite with Napoleon Romania.

Customers of Napoleon Romania have access to Bragg’s exclusive online casino content and aggregated online casino content. These include titles such as Golden Gal’s Cash Towers, Almighty Pegasus and Big Roar.

Bragg said the roll-out supports its 2025 strategic goal of scaling its aggregation business.

“This strategic deployment further strengthens our market presence in Romania,” Bragg said. “It expands our already fantastic partnership with the Superbet Group brand. A huge commendation to our team for making this happen.”

On Monday, the SPA published Normative Ordinance No 2,579 and Normative Instruction No 31, which will reinforce its policies of protecting bettors and promoting responsible gambling.

The centralised self-exclusion platform, which has been developed by the Federal Data Processing Service, is expected to be available by the end of 2025.

The measure will allow bettors to voluntarily request the blocking of their registration to betting platforms, with the tool available either for application to specific operators, or as an all-encompassing version which will cover all federally licensed betting platforms.

This can either be for a fixed term or indefinitely.

Additionally, operators will have to implement mandatory self-limits on time and wagering amounts at the time of registration.

These new measures align with the SPA’s 2025-26 regulatory agenda, which it laid out in April, with the regulator stating at the time the implementation of a national platform for players to self-exclude was the “most important” item.

SPA chief Regis Dudena reiterated the protection of players was the regulator’s chief concern and he expects the self-exclusion scheme will prove to be successful.

“We are giving people the possibility to decide whether they want to temporarily restrict their exposure to betting, in a centralised and secure way, including reducing their access to advertising,” Dudena said. “This is a step forward that puts Brazil in a leading position in the world in caring for our population.”

Brazil operators given 30 days to adjust to self-exclusion requirements

The measures will mandate operators to verify a user’s status in the centralised self-exclusion database through Sigap, Brazil’s betting management system, using players’ Individual Taxpayer Registration (CPF) numbers.

This must be done at account registration, at first login each day and every 15 days for all active users.

Operators must immediately block new bets of users marked “Blocked – Centralised Self-Exclusion” and close their account within three days from the date of the query.

Operators should refund any remaining funds or value of open bets to bettors within two days, with the record of the communication maintained for at least five years.

It will be forbidden for operators to carry out active communication, targeted advertising or direct notifications to users to inform them of the possibility of readmission to the betting system.

Within 30 days of Monday’s publication of the new measures, operators must integrate with the centralised self-exclusion system.

A 90-day period has been granted for operators to adapt their betting systems, implement the self-limit tools and update their registration forms.

The self-limit tools will allow bettors to set daily, weekly or monthly betting limits, either on time spent or amount wagered. Users can choose to receive program alerts or usage blocks according to the time elapsed in their betting session.

Bettors can also pause their accounts temporarily. They will still have access to their accounts but will be unable to place bets.

The charges against Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz arguably represent the most serious gambling infractions against any Major League Baseball players since the historic PASPA decision in 2018. As set forth in the indictment, the defendants rigged specific pitches in advance of their appearances on the mound. According to prosecutors, the pitchers then provided non-public information to their co-conspirators, who used the information to place hundreds of fraudulent bets on the pitches.

On at least five occasions dating back to May 2023, Clase provided information to co-conspirators that was used to place thousands of dollars in bets. The bettors won approximately $450,000 on the wagers in question, with about $400,000 from information provided by Clase, prosecutors allege.

“When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us,” said Joseph Nocella Jr, who serves as interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s charges make clear that our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who corrupt sports through illegal means.”

Allegations of rigged microbets

Clase, a three-time MLB All Star, received American League Relief Pitcher of the Year honours in 2022, a season in which he led MLB in saves. Prior to that season, he agreed to a five-year, $20 million extension that included a $2 million signing bonus. It did not deter him from allegedly conspiring with a bettor as early as 2023.

In furtherance of the conspiracy, Clase informed an individual identified as “Bettor 1” of the type of pitches he planned on throwing at certain points of a sequence. In most cases, they agreed that Clase would miss the strike zone, usually on the first pitch when he entered a game. Before a Guardians game against the Mets on 19 May 2023, Clase provided advanced information to a bettor on a specific pitch that he intended to throw.

In many instances, Clase informed his co-conspirators of the type of pitch he intended to throw, enabling the bettors to win large wagers on a pitch speed prop. Against the Mets, “Bettor 1” and several other bettors won $27,000 by wagering that a pitch by Clase would exceed 94.95 miles per hour.

Deliberately hurling pitches into the dirt

According to the indictment:

– On  3 June 2023, Clase faced the Twins, the Guardians’ AL Central rival. The bettor and several co-conspirators won $38,000 on multiple parlays that Clase would throw a ball and his pitch would be clocked at under 94.95 mph. Federal authorities captured screenshots of the pitch that landed low and in the dirt.

– Nearly two years later, Clase “requested and received” a kickback payment in exchange for agreeing to throw certain pitches. On 12 April 2025, several bettors won $15,000 on a parlay that Clase’s pitch would be a ball and would be clocked at under 98.45 mph. Clase threw the pitch into the grass well before home plate. On the following day, Clase directed the bettor to send some of the winnings to the Dominican Republic.

– On 15 June 2025, Clase and Ortiz conspired to rig a pitch from Ortiz. Before the game, Ortiz agreed to throw a ball on his first pitch in the second inning. In exchange, Ortiz received $5,000, prosecutors allege. Under the arrangement, Clase also received $5,000. The bettors wagered approximately $13,000 on the microbet for a payout of $26,000.

A push to ban microbetting

The indictments were unsealed in the Eastern District of New York, which has become an epicentre for cracking down on illegal sports betting. Last week, the first of three NBA figures were arraigned in a dual sports betting-poker scheme that has rocked basketball. In light of the historic indictments, multiple federal lawmakers have called for a ban on prop bets.

Also this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has resumed calls to prohibit microbetting on baseball. Over the summer, DeWine wrote a bulletin to the Ohio Casino Control Commission urging the regulatory agency to remove prop bets on “highly specific events” within games that are “completely controlled by one player”. During the MLB All-Star break, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remarked that certain microbets, specifically ones on pitches, are “particularly vulnerable” to manipulation.

MLB released a statement on Sunday that said: “MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process. We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”

The indictments represent the fourth integrity case against a major US sport over the last month, following stories involving the NBA, college basketball and the UFC.

A lengthy prison sentence

Both pitchers are facing several charges – including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery and money laundering conspiracy – for their roles in the alleged schemes. Ortiz, 26, was arrested on Sunday at Logan International Airport in Boston. The Guardians pitcher was scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday.

In a statement provided to ESPN, an attorney for Ortiz said that the pitcher is innocent of the charges and that he “would never improperly influence a game”. Chris Georgalis, an attorney for Ortiz, wrote that the charges relate to only two pitches thrown by his client.

MLB suspended both pitchers over the summer, pending further investigation. If convicted, the pitchers each face up to 65 years in prison. As of Sunday afternoon, Clase was not in US custody, according to a press release from prosecutors.

The BRL3.7 billion figure represents 27% of the total amount granted to Bolsa Família recipients during the month of January.

Betting among social welfare recipients is a contentious issue in Brazil and a ban on gambling by those beneficiaries was formally announced in late September.

The TCU, a federal audit office, conducted the study to establish whether families were using the money from social welfare programmes to bet online, finding the amount spent was “very high”.

As part of the study, the TCU analysed data on financial transfers made from the government to Bolsa Família recipients. Additionally, the study also utilised data from the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank.

The TCU ordered the Ministry of Social Development, Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, as well as the Central Bank, to submit an action plan to identify and reduce improper inclusions in the Bolsa Família programme within 90 days.

Additionally, the department called for bank transactions that “excessively exceed” players’ declared income amounts to be used as evidence.

An investigation into the misuse of beneficiaries’ Individual Taxpayer Registration numbers by third parties for illicit purposes, especially gambling, has been called for.

Ban on betting among social welfare beneficiaries in Brazil

The discussion over betting among social welfare beneficiaries gathered real momentum last year ahead of regulation coming in on 1 January.

In November 2024, the Supreme Federal Court upheld an emergency measure to prohibit betting via social welfare proceeds.

In late September, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets published Normative Ordinance No 2,217/2025 and Normative Instruction No 22, completely banning recipients of the Bolsa Família and Continuous Benefit Payment programmes from fixed-odds betting.

A database of social welfare beneficiaries has been established and betting operators are required to consult it when verifying player registrations and logins.

Operators must also cross-check bettors’ CPF numbers in Sigap, Brazil’s betting management system, to identify any users listed as welfare recipients.

These checks must be conducted at least every 15 days for all registered users. If a user appears in the database, operators must block their registration, close their account and refund any deposited monies.

Operators were initially given 30 days to comply with the ban, although this deadline has been extended by an additional 30 days.

Does the ban go too far?

The ban has proved hugely divisive. Lawyer Luiz Felipe Maia has suggested the prohibition constitutes a civil rights issue.

Maia, founding partner of Brazilian law firm Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, previously told iGB: “At the end of the day it becomes a civil rights issue, because what we’re saying is, ‘Okay, if I am in a situation where I need welfare, I cannot decide where I’m going to spend my money, so I have limited freedom’.

“Either you give them stamps and say, ‘Okay, these stamps are for food and you can only use those for food’, or you’re giving them money and you’re allowing them to decide what they’re going to do with that money.”

Some have warned too that the prohibition could simply lead to banned players looking to the black market to bet.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries believes the ban goes too far, with the initial ruling only prohibiting the use of social welfare money for betting.

An ANJL-commissioned study shared with BNL Data found that 45% of social welfare beneficiaries plan to turn to the black market to continue gambling once the ban takes effect.

Ed Birkin and Robin Harrison kick off this week’s episode discussing the NBA betting scandal. Current and former players are under indictment after an NBA-FBI investigation uncovered potential integrity breaches and even Mafia-run poker games. Was it simply greed driving players to get involved? Or is there more to this whole scandal? 

And does the industry need this sort of headache?

Evolution, Playtech and the unregulated market omertà

Next up is the Black Cube report, commissioned by Playtech and looking into Evolution’s business practices. Both sides are claiming some degree of vindication, but how does anyone come out of this looking good?

This ultimately puts a lot more focus on suppliers and where they operate. There has been a lot of talk across the industry over whether regulated markets are simply too difficult for operators. Whether that’s right or wrong, does this suggest that legal gambling is being squeezed too tightly?

This naturally leads into a slightly meandering parallel with non-alcoholic beer, because it wouldn’t be Right to the Source without a few diversions. 

Jones, a former teammate of the NBA’s career leader in points, allegedly disseminated non-public inside information on an injured player to a betting syndicate in February 2023. While the Lakers forward is not named in the indictment, the unnamed player fits the profile of James based on the fact pattern enumerated in court filings. Hours after Jones’ arrest on 23 October, a federal prosecutor urged a Nevada judge to impose restrictive conditions on his pre-trial release. The strict conditions stem from the ex-NBA player’s “serious gambling problem”, noted Clay Plummer, an assistant US attorney, at last week’s hearing.

Given the immense publicity the case has received, Jones’ compulsive gambling habits could serve as a mechanism for convincing others to seek help, according to several leading specialists in the field. Jones, who amassed NBA career earnings of nearly $22 million, told the judge last week that he could not afford to hire a defense attorney.

“If Mr Jones does in fact have a serious gambling problem, I hope he knows that help and hope are out there and that recovery is possible,” said Brianne Doura-Schawohl, CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a boutique global government relations firm that specialises in problem and responsible gambling policy. “It would be nice if his story served as an inflection point for change.”

Saddled in debt

While Jones ended his NBA playing career more than a decade ago, he has remained in close contact with James. During the 2022-23 NBA season, he served as an unofficial assistant coach with the Lakers, where he had pre-game access to the NBA star. Jones allegedly provided a tip to a syndicate that a player would miss a 9 February 2023 game against the Bucks. For his efforts, Jones received a payment of $2,500, court filings state.

Since Jones’ arrest, a narrative has formed around his proclivity towards heavy gambling. One professional gambler told the New York Post that he witnessed Jones betting thousands of dollars per hand on dice at a Las Vegas casino. Michael Osborne, the bettor, added that Jones was a fixture at the ARIA’s high limit room where he sought out players who rode a hot streak. On occasion, Jones would solicit the players for loans to finance his gambling habits, Osborne told the Post.

As many individuals with a serious gambling problem get into significant debt, the bettors search feverishly for a way out, noted Keith Whyte, former executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. When the losses accumulate, bettors may increase the volume of wagering, which only lands them in deeper trouble, Whyte explained.

“This desperation phase of a gambling problem can lead to a host of negative consequences – from chasing losses to committing financial crimes to compromising the integrity of the game,” he told iGB.

Increased funding for treatment

In the wake of last week’s arrests, the advocacy groups remain hopeful that legislators will use the case as impetus to direct additional funding into problem gambling outreach. The NCPG recommends that states allocate at least 1% of sports gambling proceeds to prevention and treatment, a target it believes that most states do not meet. 

John Millington, director of strategic partnerships at Epic Global Solutions, outlined a bevy of potential initiatives last week, most notably conditions that establish mandates for “ring-fenced funding”. Those programmes compel gambling operators to make contributions dedicated exclusively to education, prevention and support services in the area.

Doura-Schawohl is pushing for stronger restrictions on gambling ads that feature celebrities, while Whyte recommends efforts that will make outreach more accessible for those struggling with a gambling addiction.

“Stories like this can serve as a cautionary tale for other athletes,” said Whyte, who launched Safer Gambling Strategies, a problem gambling advocacy site. “Legalised gambling generates far too much revenue for problem gambling resources to be so scarce.”

Plummer, the assistant US attorney, asked a Nevada judge to impose certain conditions on Jones that restrict him from taking part in online gambling under his pre-trial release. Jones is facing charges on wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The NBA has issued a memo to players, according to ESPN, articulating the “dire risks that gambling can impose upon their careers and livelihoods”.

Kambi scores with Holland Gaming Technology

First, Kambi Group has signed a multi-year agreement with Holland Gaming Technology in the Netherlands.

Under the deal, Kambi will provide its full turnkey sportsbook solution to the operator. This includes advanced trading capabilities, an open platform and bet builder product.

The partnership comes after Holland Gaming secured a sports betting licence from Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit. It is already active within the county’s online casino space.

“We’re excited to partner Holland Gaming Technology as they expand into sports betting,” Kambi CEO Werner Becher said. “Their strong marketing and deep industry expertise make them an ideal fit for our turnkey sportsbook solution.”

BetGoodwin launches EveryMatrix sports betting product

Next, EveryMatrix has also detailed a new sports betting venture, linking up with UK-facing BetGoodwin.

The operator has rolled out a full turnkey sports solution from EveryMatrix. This followed the signing of a multi-year full turnkey agreement signed in 2024.

The platform offers more than 200,000 monthly live events and up to 800 live markets on English Premier League fixtures. Betting options include pre-live and live bet builder across 11 sports, cash out functions and odds boost.

Julian Head, CEO of BetGoodwin, said: “This is a milestone launch for us. EveryMatrix’s modern sportsbook gives us a feature-rich platform that will help deliver an outstanding betting experience to our customers.”

Pragmatic Play opens Colombia studio

In other news, Pragmatic Play has expanded its reach in Latin America by launching a new live casino studio in Colombia.

Delivered and operated by ARRISE, the Bogotá-based studio will deliver localised, premium live casino experiences in Latin America. Supported by an investment of over $15 million, the facility is set to create over 1,500 new jobs.

More than 100 tables will be located at the studio. These include roulette and blackjack, all customised to local preferences and hosted by Spanish and Portuguese-speaking dealers.

Irina Cornides, chief operating officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “This new live casino studio in Colombia represents a major milestone in our native content expansion strategy across Latin America.” 

Michigan regulator targets illegal websites

Into the US, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken further action against unlicensed gambling operators.

The regulator issued cease-and-desist letters to eight online casinos found to be illegally offering iGaming to Michigan residents. The MGCB regularly sends these notices to tackle unlicensed activities.

Aussie Play, CryptoGames, FortuneJack, Hugewin Casino, My Stake Casino, Play at Harry’s Casino, RuneChat and Slots Garden were all contacted by the regulator.

“These unauthorised websites often appear sophisticated and legitimate, but they operate outside of Michigan law, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The MGCB will not hesitate to intervene when we find operators ignoring our state’s gambling laws.”

NCPG welcomes affiliates in Texas and Vermont  

And finally, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the US has announced two new members.

The Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling and the Vermont Council on Gaming and Health have joined the organisation. Both groups will work with the NCPG and other members on supporting those impacted by problem gambling.

While the NCPG advocates for problem gambling support at the national level, its state affiliates focus on regional efforts. With the new additions, NCPG now has affiliates in 37 states.

“Every state has a unique gambling landscape, but the need for prevention and support is universal, NCPG Board President Derek Longmeier said. “Affiliate organisations are vital partners in NCPG’s mission.”

The measures are expected to be implemented no later than 1 January 2027. 

On Friday, the Danish parliament passed its ‘Gaming Package 1’, aimed at preventing gambling addiction and strengthening the protection of children against gambling harms. 

The package will introduce a whistle-to-whistle ban on gambling ads during live sports broadcasts, starting 10 minutes before the event and ending 10 minutes after the games conclude.  

This will include bans on live odds being displayed across banners in stadiums and a restriction on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling ads.  

Package prohibits gambling ads near schools 

Additionally, the package prohibits the use of “free money games” as welcome bonuses. 

Gambling ads on public transport and within 200 metres of schools or other educational institutions will also be prohibited under new rules, while persons aged under 25 will not be allowed to feature in any gambling marketing. 

Denmark’s Gambling Act will be amended to mandate age filters on social media ads to ensure content isn’t targeted at those aged under 18, while gambling addiction treatment centres will receive an additional DKK8 million ($1.2 million) in funding next year.  

These centres will receive further funding of DKK3 million in 2027, DKK5 million in 2028, DKK2 million in 2029 and DKK3 million in 2030. 

Denmark’s Tax Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen said the measures should prove effective in curbing gambling addiction in the country. 

“With Gaming Package 1: A More Responsible Gaming Market, the government, together with a broad majority in the Danish parliament, is taking an important step towards a more responsible gaming market,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.  

“The work does not stop here.” 

Government’s ‘showdown’ with Danish gambling sector 

Upon revealing the package of restrictions, the government said Denmark had faced issues with rising gambling addiction in the country.  

It claimed nearly 500,000 Danish adults had experienced some extent of gambling problems in 2021, a figure that has doubled since 2016, with almost 30,000 experiencing serious gambling problems. 

The government also stated 25,000 Danish children and young people have experienced some degree of gambling harm, with 2,600 having a serious gambling problem. 

Halsboe-Jørgensen explained the agreement marked a shift in mentality in Denmark, with closer attention paid to restricting the gambling sector and the harms that can come from it. 

“This is the beginning of a showdown with a gaming industry that has been allowed to take up too much space for far too long, so that entertainment does not turn into addiction,” Halsboe-Jørgensen said.  

“This requires both responsible providers, stronger rules and a sustained political effort.” 

Denmark regulator to be strengthened 

The agreement will also seek to further empower Spillemyndigheden, the country’s gambling regulator.  

Spillemyndigheden will be given the authority to block illegal gambling sites, with clearer principles and criteria for calculating fines and sanctions. 

Certain administrative burdens will also be eased, such as the need for gaming providers to send a copy of decisions on closing gambling accounts to Spillemyndigheden. 

Denmark gambling revenue on the increase 

In August, Denmark achieved gambling revenue of DKK714 million, both a year-on-year and month-on-month increase. 

Denmark’s sports betting and iGaming markets both posted double-digit growth when compared to the same month last year. 

The nation’s self-exclusion scheme ROFUS reached 63,488 users by the end of August, with 41,362 of those having permanently excluded themselves from gambling.

Federal authorities arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier early Thursday as part of a multi-year sports betting investigation. Rozier, a veteran guard, did not play in Wednesday’s Heat-Magic opener due to a coach’s decision.

Rozier’s arrest came after authorities probed an uptick in suspicious activity related to his performance in a March 2023 game against New Orleans. Then a member of the Charlotte Hornets, Rozier left the game prematurely with an apparent foot injury.

Separately, authorities also arrested Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in Oregon. Billups’ arrest is tied to alleged involvement in an illegal poker game operated by organised crime figures. The investigation into the illegal poker games ensnared several members of New York criminal groups, including the infamous La Cosa Nostra network.

In total, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn indicted 31 defendants on Thursday across 11 states. The indictments centred on two major operations: an enterprise to rig illicit poker games at various locations throughout the nation and a sports betting scheme that allegedly used material non-public information to benefit from Rozier’s statistical outcomes.

How LeBron James is referenced in gambling case

A third NBA figure, former guard Damon Jones, was named in indictments connected to both the sports betting and poker investigations.

Jones, a former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate of James who remained close to him afterwards, allegedly attempted to profit from inside information about the NBA star in 2023. According to the indictment, Jones had knowledge that James was suffering from an injury and might not play for the Los Angeles Lakers in an upcoming game. That game took place in February 2023, two days after James broke the NBA all-time scoring record.

Joseph Nocella, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated at a Brooklyn news conference that several defendants turned professional basketball into a “criminal betting operation” by using private locker room and medical information to “cheat legitimate sportsbooks”.

Gambling allegations against Rozier do not involve James

Before Rozier signed a multi-year contract with the Heat, he played just 10 minutes in the aforementioned game against the Pelicans on 23 March 2023. At least six sportsbooks in multiple states flagged suspicious activity related to Rozier’s performance, ESPN reported.

One sportsbook took 30 bets in a period of 46 minutes, all of which resulted in wins for the bettor. While the NBA conducted an investigation of the activity, the league did not determine at the time that league betting rules were violated.

Prior to the game, Deniro Laster, another defendant, sold information on Rozier’s plan to leave the game early to multiple co-conspirators, prosecutors stated. Rozier, a close friend of Laster, has known the defendant since childhood, according to the indictment.

Before the game started, Rozier informed Laster of his plans to leave the game prematurely in the first quarter due to a “supposed” injury, prosecutors allege. Based on the information provided by Rozier, the defendants wagered “more than $200,000 on his under statistics”, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The information was allegedly transmitted to Marves Fairley, another defendant in the case. Fairley, a professional sports betting tout, has been mentioned previously in various media reports for his alleged involvement in the federal sports betting investigation. In exchange for the information, Fairley and another co-conspirator agreed to pay Laster approximately $100,000  from their expected fraudulent gambling winnings, according to the indictment.

“As the NBA tips off, [Rozier’s] career is already benched, not for injury, but for integrity,” Tisch stated.

Patel not mincing words on gravity of allegations

Around 29 March 2023, Fairley allegedly gave Laster tens of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for the tip on Rozier, according to the indictment. From there, Laster apparently drove from Philadelphia to North Carolina for a meeting with Rozier at his Charlotte home. During the early morning hours of 1 April 2023, the two counted the money that Laster obtained from Fairley, prosecutors allege.

“Let’s not mince words, this is the insider trading saga for the NBA,” said FBI Director Kash Patel at the news conference.

Rozier is not alleged to have any relation to the gambling allegations that involve information about the health of LeBron James.

Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, told USA Today Sports on Thursday that investigators previously told Rozier that he was a “subject, not a target” of the probe.

“Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight,” Trusty wrote in a statement.

Poker investigation of Billups separate from betting

Billups, a five-time All-Star as a player who was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, is facing charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with his arrest. The charges centre on his participation in an April 2019 poker game that prosecutors alleged was rigged.

In an attempt to attract unsuspecting victims into the rigged game, Billups and Jones acted as so-called “face cards” by using their celebrity status to bring players to the table, according to the indictments. The pair each received a portion of the ill-gotten proceeds for their participation in the scheme, prosecutors stated.

Four other defendants – Robert Stroud, Eric Earnest, Jamie Gilet and Sophia Wei – organised and participated in the rigged Las Vegas poker game, according to the indictment. As part of the scheme, the defendants defrauded the victims of at least $50,000. Stroud allegedly supplied a rigged shuffling machine that was used in the game.

NBA statement on gambling scandal

Thursday’s arrests come one day after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for enhanced regulation of sports betting. During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, Silver advocated for restrictions on player props involving reserve players off the bench.

“We’ve asked some of our partners to pull back some of the prop bets, especially when they’re on two-way players, guys who don’t have the same stake in the competition, where it’s too easy to manipulate something, which seems otherwise small and inconsequential to the overall score,” Silver said. “We’re trying to put in place – learning as we go and working with the betting companies – some additional control to prevent some of that manipulation.”

Shortly after Thursday’s news conference in Brooklyn, the NBA issued a statement on the arrests. The league placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave. The NBA has cooperated with federal authorities on the comprehensive probe.

“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today,” the league said in the statement. “We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities, we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”

Last week, ESPN reported that the FBI has interviewed college athletes regarding an ongoing probe into suspicious betting activity in college basketball. ESPN cited documents that linked Fairley to a pattern of irregular activity on first-half college wagers. When reached by ESPN, Fairley denied the allegations. Nocella noted on Thursday that his office’s investigation does not pertain to college hoops.

Ongoing investigation involving Porter

Well prior to Thursday’s indictments, former Toronto Raptors centre Jontay Porter was convicted on federal wire fraud charges related to illicit sports betting and is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Porter conspired with a gambling syndicate to defraud a sports betting company by deliberately underperforming on a bevy of statistical categories in a March 2024 game.

The NBA later banned Porter for life. At least two of Porter’s co-conspirators, Ammar Awawdeh and Shane Hennen, were named in Thursday’s indictments. The investigation is ongoing, Nocella stressed.

Four Mafia organised crime groups, the Lucchese, Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese families, played a role in the poker scheme, federal officials said Thursday. In using sophisticated manipulation technology, the Mafia-backed poker scheme defrauded individuals of at least $7 million, according to prosecutors.

“The FBI will never turn a blind eye to any insider betting scheme within sporting industries – regardless of title or professional affiliation – to protect its integrity,” said Christopher Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office.

Caixa is a state-owned bank in Brazil, which raises questions over whether such an entity should be involved in an industry that divides opinion among Brazilian politicians, despite its strict regulatory framework.

Earlier this month, in an interview with Brazilian news outlet O Globo, Caixa President Carlos Vieira revealed the bank would launch its betting offering in November.

The move remains controversial, however, and on Wednesday Senator Damares Alves hit out at Caixa’s plans.

Alves said the launch contradicted the level of social responsibility expected of Caixa, as a state-owned entity in Brazil, as its product would put bettors at risk of gambling addiction.

“Caixa Econômica Federal’s decision to create its own online betting platform represents perhaps one of the greatest moral and social setbacks in the country’s recent history,” Alves told the Senate plenary.

“It is a contradictory, dangerous and profoundly irresponsible move, coming precisely from a public institution created to promote social development, affordable housing and financial inclusion, not to exploit the addiction and economic vulnerability of the poorest population.”

Why is Caixa’s betting entrance so controversial?

Alves claimed the launch of Caixa’s betting offering goes against the Brazil government’s objective to protect players from gambling harms.

Brazil’s government recently failed in its attempts to raise the gambling tax by 50%, while proposals to retroactively tax operators on their activities prior to regulation also collapsed.

However, the government seems to still be intent on raising taxes on gambling operators, with a new bill in motion to raise the rate to 24% of GGR, while additional ad restrictions are also on the horizon.

With the government believing it is taking steps to better protect bettors, Alves fears Caixa’s betting launch will legitimise the activity of betting and cause potential damage to Brazilians.

“The same government that claimed to want to control the damage now decides to be the agent of exploitation itself, transforming a public bank, a symbol of national trust, into an official betting house,” Alves explained. “It must be said bluntly: this is a tragedy waiting to happen!”

Caixa hoping to be at the forefront of Brazil betting

In the interview with O Globo, Vieira said he hoped Caixa would become a “major player” in the Brazilian regulated betting market.

Vieira estimated revenues of between BRL2 billion and BRL2.5 billion in 2026, Caixa’s first full year in operation.

Caixa’s authorisation to operate in the market was formalised through Ordinance No 1,665, issued on 29 July this year. The licence encompasses three brands, named BetCaixa, Megabet and Xbet Caixa.

Under the deal, the league will provide the two companies with access to official NHL proprietary data and rights to use NHL marks, logos and official designations on their platforms and products, according to a press release issued Wednesday. According to the NHL, Kalshi’s and Polymarket’s brokers and merchants will also be able to use the league’s marks and logos to identify the products they make available.

“As prediction markets continue to evolve at a rapid pace, partnering with the two market leaders, Kalshi and Polymarket, provides a tremendous opportunity for the broadest fan engagement during the NHL season,” said Keith Wachtel, who serves as president of NHL Business. “Polymarket and Kalshi are ideal partners as this category continues to grow and expand.”

Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, Wachtel said he is intrigued by the potential for increased cross-selling through the partnership. For instance, a customer can trade a contract concerning the week’s most popular show on Netflix, while also making their pick for winner of the NHL’s Vezina Trophy given annually to the league’s top goaltender. The entertainment contracts typically are not offered on a traditional sportsbook.

Kalshi brand exposure for NHL Winter Classic

It may not be a coincidence that Kalshi marked the announcement by placing an NHL event contract on the most prominent area of its website on Wednesday, occupying the majority of the screen for customers trading on their laptops. A market for the 2026 Stanley Cup champions received approximately nearly $980,000 in trading volume as of 12:20pm ET.

Two teams, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers, were co-favourites on the market with a 12% chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. The Florida Panthers, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion, were the third choice at 11%.

Kalshi, along with Polymarket, will receive brand exposure via Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards and blue line slot virtual signage on various NHL game broadcasts. The broadcasts will include the NHL Winter Classic, the NHL Stadium Series and postseason games during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Polymarket offered three event contracts on Wednesday’s nightly slate. An all-Canadian matchup between Montreal and Calgary received more than $683,000 in trading volume as of early Wednesday afternoon.

“The NHL has always been about giving fans an incredible experience. We’re excited to bring that energy to Polymarket, where fans can engage with the NHL and its teams in a new way,” said Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan.

Attempts to ameliorate integrity concerns

Coplan appeared as part of a roundtable with Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour last month in Washington DC. The event, which also featured several executives from the nation’s largest derivative markets, delved into harmonisation efforts between the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The two prediction markets, as well as Robinhood and Crypto.com, are in the spotlight for their foray into sports event contracts. The derivative products have been criticised by those contending the contracts are essentially sports wagers that should be regulated on the state level. Kalshi is embroiled in litigation in numerous states on the legality of the contracts.

Mansour, however, noted that the partnership with the NHL is a testament to the “integrity, safety, and trust” that Kalshi has spent years building with customers. While Kalshi previously signed a partnership with integrity monitor IC360, critics of prediction markets have argued that the sites lack Know Your Customer and anti-money laundering scrutiny that legal sportsbooks face from state regulators.

“Teaming up with the NHL is an important milestone for Kalshi and the industry at large,” Mansour wrote in a statement. “It should be clear now – prediction markets are here to stay.”

Position of other leagues

Over the summer, the NFL expressed a number of concerns associated with prediction markets. David Highhill, NFL vice president of sports betting, stressed that the contracts are susceptible to “price distortions” without the proper regulations. While MLB is not expressly opposed to the rise of prediction markets, the league called on the CFTC to establish a robust integrity framework for sports event contracts.

Nevertheless, the prediction markets’ commercial partnership with the NHL could exert pressure on regulated sportsbooks to accelerate a possible move into the new space.

The designation comes one day after DraftKings announced its acquisition of Railbird Technologies. The company owns Railbird Exchange, a federally licensed exchange designated by the CFTC. DraftKings has not indicated if it plans to offer sports event contracts.

Betfred could close all UK shops

Bookmaker Betfred has warned it could close all its UK high street betting ships if gambling taxes rise as feared.

According to The Guardian, Betfred is considering shutting all 1,287 of its shops. This would put 7,500 jobs at risk across the UK.

The government is considering introducing higher tax rates for gambling companies active in the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out the plans during November’s budget.

Flutter Entertainment also recently said it plans to close shops in the UK and Ireland. Entain and Evoke also said they could shut branches in response to higher tax.

Aerssen departs Dutch Lottery

The Dutch Lottery has announced that Jet Roos-van Aerssen is stepping down as chief financial and risk officer (CFRO).

Aerssen had worked for the operator since May last year, having succeeded Arjan Blok as CFRO. Blok went on to become CEO of the Dutch Lottery.

Prior to joining the organisation, Roos-van Aerssen worked in various international and national financial roles. This included stints with Talpa Network, Aegon and General Electric.

“Jet has made a significant impact on our organisation and our contribution to sports and exercise in the past year and a half,” Blok said. “We have come to know her as a professional and appreciate her commitment to the Dutch Lottery. We wish Jet every success in the future.”

Kambi scores betting partnership with Betnation

Also in the Netherlands, Kambi Group has agreed to a multi-year partnership with online operator Betnation.

Kambi will deliver its turnkey sportsbook solution to Betnation in the country. This includes a range of sports betting technology and services, such as a betting engine and trading and risk management capabilities.

Betnation has operated an online casino in the Netherlands since October 2022.

“Kambi’s reputation for excellence, cutting-edge technology and a commitment to regulated markets made them the natural choice as our new sportsbook provider,” Betnation CEO Robert Schouten said.

BetMGM extends with NFL’s Steelers

BetMGM has extended its partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL.

The deal will run to 2029, with BetMGM serving as an official sports betting, online casino and gaming partner.

BetMGM and the Steelers will introduce new fan-focused experiences, as well as continue the “Decade of Black & Gold Sweepstakes”. The latter awards one fan in Pennsylvania or West Virginia with 10 years of season tickets and hospitality tent passes for Steelers home games.

“This partnership extension allows BetMGM to continue delivering experiences that reflect the energy and passion of Steelers Nation,” said Casey Hurbis, BetMGM chief marketing officer.

Svenska Spel details community funding programme

Svenska Spel has launched a new initiative to fund local sports clubs in the Gotland region of Sweden.

Föreningsdrömmen Gotland will distribute SEK1 million ($106,124) each year. This will see 10 clubs in the region receive SEK100,000 each.

Clubs interested in the funding can begin to apply from 12 November. Funds can be used to fund equipment, travel, camps or support their own initiatives.

“Sports are an important meeting place for children and young people. It is where joy is born, where dreams grow and where community takes shape,” Svenska Spel CEO and President Anna Johnson said. “With Föreningsdrömmen, we want to give more people the chance to be involved and feel the joy and belonging that sports create.”

What Gambling Commission GSGB numbers say

The 2024 GSGB shows a decline in past-year participation, from 61.5% in 2023 to 59.6%.

“Problem gambling” prevalence, defined as PGSI scores of 8+, rose slightly from 2.5% to 2.7%, while moderate-risk gambling fell from 3.7% to 3.1%. For certain groups, harms appear to be easing: the proportion of gamblers reporting severe adverse consequences declined, particularly among women, where it fell 18%.

Serious financial harm indicators dropped by nearly a quarter, and more than halved among 18–24-year-olds.

However, other harms moved in the opposite direction. Reported rates of harm to “affected others” (such as partners, families and friends), including violence and abuse, increased.

These complexities are often lost in the headline framing: the figure that has dominated media coverage is the 2.7% PGSI rate, extrapolated to imply 1.4 million “problem gamblers” in Britain.

From caution to ‘official statistics‘

Until this year, the Gambling Commission had insisted on a health warning: GSGB survey data could not be scaled up to national totals due to methodological uncertainty. That caveat has now been removed, with the regulator describing the survey as “official statistics” and encouraging licensees to use the figures in risk assessments.

Melanie Ellis, partner at Northridge Law, believes this shift was a mistake: “It was premature of the UKGC to call these ‘official statistics’ and to take away the health warning, without sufficient scientifically rigorous testing to give confidence that the data is accurate,” she says.

Ellis stresses that while the commission was right to modernise its GSGB survey methodology, it failed to pause when early results diverged drastically from NHS health survey benchmarks. “The regulator blinkered itself to the impact these figures would have on the industry,” she adds.

Gambling Commission’s GSGC ‘an almighty headache‘

Dan Waugh, partner at Regulus Partners, is even more blunt. He describes the GSGB as the regulator’s HS2, an over-budget, politically committed project that cannot be reversed even if flawed.

“The survey has uncovered a previously unheralded huge degree of gambling participation overall. … It suggests a massive unlicensed market which was not picked up in the health survey. So, either the commission has not understood the market it is regulating, or it has let rampant gambling disorder flourish,” Waugh warns.

The removal of caveats, he argues, creates “an almighty headache for DCMS” as campaigners will now lobby ministers armed with the regulator’s own statistics.

“This will absolutely feed into the discussion on tax,” he adds. “You will see intense lobbying over further ad bans. And it will effectively have the GC’s badge on it.”

Bias, capture and sunk costs

Regulus’ own analysis frames the GSGB controversy as a case study in regulatory bias and institutional inertia.

The Gambling Commission, it argues, has shown a willingness to find vindication where none exists. Researchers at the London School of Economics conducted inconclusive experiments comparing survey modes, yet these have been cited as justification for lifting safeguards.

“The willingness of the commission to find vindication where none exists smacks of a prior bias,” Waugh wrote in an analysis sent to Regulus clients. “The alacrity with which some academic researchers have abandoned previously held views may indicate the presence of ‘in-group bias’ or worse.”

The problem is compounded by selection bias and self-reporting inconsistencies. Hard industry data on actual participation often fails to align with Gambling Commission GSGB responses. Waugh suggests in his written analysis that there are three possible explanations:

1. The survey overstates gambling prevalence due to selection bias.
2. There exists a vast unlicensed market previously undetected.
3. Respondents misunderstand questions or answer inattentively.

None of these explanations, the consultant argues, inspire confidence that the GSGB can yet serve as a sound basis for policy.

Industry in denial?

Another theme emerging from Waugh’s critique is industry complacency. For years, operators have dismissed or downplayed research framing gambling as an “unhealthy commodity” akin to tobacco. By failing to engage seriously, they now face the risk of punitive tax rises and stricter controls.

“Within the next 12 months, UK Research & Innovation will start to distribute £20 million a year in levy funding, with gambling described as a ‘health-harming industry’,” Waugh notes. Without a coordinated response, the industry faces “over-taxation and over-regulation”.

Waugh suggests that operators have failed to mount a serious challenge. “The industry has just sat there and done nothing,” he says. “I can’t see that this will not negatively affect the industry.”

Black market blind spots

For Ellis, the critical missing piece is the role of unlicensed operators.

“If [the Gambling Commission] wants to assess whether player protection measures imposed on the licensed industry are effective, it urgently needs to be able to segment its GSGB data into customers using licensed and unlicensed operators,” she notes.

The commission has acknowledged this challenge but progress is slow. Without it, assessing whether regulatory interventions reduce harm risks becomes meaningless. Worse, restrictions on licensed operators may push consumers into the unregulated sphere, undermining protections altogether.

From survey to supervision

For licensees, the key issue is how the Gambling Commission GSGB will be operationalised. Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes has “strongly encouraged” firms to use GSGB data to assess risk within their customer bases.

Does this mean operators must assume that one in 10 online sports bettors are “problem gamblers,” as the GSGB suggests? If so, this would transform the expectations around customer monitoring and affordability.

Yet ambiguity persists. Ellis cautions that if the commission bases enforcement on GSGB-derived thresholds, “it must ensure that decisions are defensible and acknowledge methodological caveats”.

The politics of harm

The political consequences are already visible. The Guardian and other outlets have amplified the “1.4 million problem gamblers” figure, fuelling calls from campaigners for advertising curbs and affordability checks.

Ministers such as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy have been attacked for not moving faster, while the Treasury eyes potential increases in Remote Gaming Duty.

For campaign groups, the GSGB is a gift: the regulator’s own data, stripped of caveats, can be used to push for prohibitionist-style measures. For operators, the risk is being judged and punished on contested statistics.

An unstable foundation

The GSGB represents a landmark for UK gambling regulation: a home-grown survey, positioned as the definitive evidence base. But critics warn it has an unstable foundation and is vulnerable to bias, misinterpretation and political misuse.

For Ellis, the task is ensuring accuracy and distinguishing between licensed and unlicensed activity. For Waugh and Regulus, the concern is deeper: that the commission has locked itself into a flawed survey, driven by sunk costs and institutional bias and, in doing so, has unleashed a wave of political and fiscal risks for the sector.

What seems certain is that the GSGB will dominate the debate for years to come. The challenge for the industry is not to deny its existence, but to engage critically, demand transparency and prepare for a regulatory environment shaped by numbers that – for better or worse – now carry the imprimatur of “official statistics”.

Designed in partnership with creative agency 23red, part of CapGemini, the campaign will run year-round. It will feature across multiple digital platforms, targeting men aged 18-44 and individuals affected by their loved ones’ gambling.

Featured in the campaign will be several short creatives, with the primary piece of content being a 30-second film using metaphorical visual storytelling to demonstrate the emotions people can experience while gambling.

GamCare encourages people to seek support

The campaign forms part of a wider, ongoing effort by GamCare to promote support for those impacted by gambling harms. Established in 1997, GamCare provides information, advice and support for people dealing with problem gambling.

“Our new creative visualises the inner turmoil that people experiencing gambling harms can feel,” GamCare CEO Victoria Corbishley said. “It’s a fresh approach that we hope helps people in need, whether they gamble themselves or care about someone who does. We hope they will see those signs and reach out sooner for support.”

23red Creative Director Tristan Cavanagh added: “Unhealthy gambling habits are often hidden in plain sight. We set out to create something people who are experiencing gambling harms instantly recognise and feel rather than just watch, with visuals that mirror the quiet chaos inside someone’s head.

“Our aim was to cut through the usual tropes and deliver a piece that resonates emotionally, prompting conversations before harm escalates.”

The campaign launches as another industry charity, GambleAware, prepares to close. In July, GambleAware said it will halt all activities and transition its work to the British government by the end of March 2026. This followed the introduction of a new statutory levy earlier this year.

In August, GambleAware named Anna Hargrave as its transition CEO to oversee its managed closure. Hargrave took on the position after Zoë Osmond stepped down as CEO on 30 September.

The introduction of deposit limits follows a recommendation made in the Gambling Act review white paper. Mandatory limits are becoming common practice and are already enforced in the Netherlands and Germany.

From 30 June 2026, all UK online operators must provide users with the opportunity to set a deposit limit. Clarifying this, the Gambling Commission said these limits must be based on the amount customers pay into their account over a set duration.

As part of the scheme, gambling operators can also offer loss limits or limits on withdrawals, on top of the required deposit limits. These, the regulator said, could be loss limits based on gross deposits, meaning total deposits made during a period, rather than deposits minus withdrawal.

October deposit limit deadline around the corner

The new rules will be introduced in stages, with the first set of amendments effective from 31 October.

From the end of October, operators must ensure new customers are met with a prompt to set a financial limit before they make their first deposit. This, the regulator said, should be easy to review and alter.

Operators will also be required to remind consumers every six months that they must review their accounts and transaction information. Licensees must also offer financial limits using free text at an account level to help customers set meaningful limits

Other changes include operators providing financial limit-setting facilities via a link on the homepage and deposit pages. These must be clearly visible and accessible, and require a low number of clicks to reach the facilities.

Finally, operators will be required to respond immediately to customer requests to decrease their financial limit.

Changes are to empower customers

The commission said the changes mainly focus on how limits are to be defined and communicated to customers. This, it said, will help consumers better manage their gambling habits.

Helen Rhodes, director of major policy projects at the Gambling Commission, added that the new rules will give players more control over their gambling. She added that the new-look limits will “empower” consumers.

“These further changes will also bring consistency and clarity for those consumers choosing to set deposit limits, while still supporting gambling businesses to offer customer choice for different forms of limits,” she said.

Consultation heralds mixed responses

The new rules are based on responses from a Gambling Commission consultation launched in March. This review sought to help the sector understand what the incoming measures could look like.

The consultation focused on three main proposals: setting gross deposit limits as default, whether to allow consumers to select “net” limits – deposits minus withdrawals – and the definition of the term “deposit limit”.

It received mixed responses, with some respondents raising concerns over the regulator making gross deposit limits mandatory. There were also some calls to make implementation guidance clearer, as well as to place restrictions on the use of “deposit limit” as a term.

Taking this into account, the commission first sought to clarify certain terminology to reduce the risk of confusion. One example being that only limits that meet the “gross” deposit limit – total deposits made during a period – can now be defined as a “deposit limit”.

The regulator also concluded that operators must offer deposit limits as a minimum but can also set other limit types. However, these must be given equal prominence on the operator’s website.

Reducing confusion among consumers

In terms of technical settings, it was decided that when a consumer sets timeframes across several limit types, the one with the most restrictive setting must apply.

The commission also reiterated that consumers who set a deposit limit cannot deposit again until this period has ended or they opt out of the limit, with the latter subject to a 24-hour “cooling off” period.

As for operator guidance, the commission said the term “spend limits” will be replaced by “stake limits”. This, it said, better aligns with gambling behaviour and will be less confusing for consumers.

Other points included clarifying what “loss limit” means to the consumer. Operators should make clear that this is defined as total stakes minus any winnings within a set timeframe.

In addition, the commission had advocated for the introduction of the term “net deposit limit”. This, it said, is defined as deposits minus withdrawals within a selected period.

Footballer banned for betting breach

Dutch professional footballer Osman Foyo has been banned from playing for five months after breaching rules on betting.

Foyo, who plays for English League One team AFC Wimbledon, placed 252 bets on matches. The BBC said the bets were made between 29 October 2023 and 28 March 2025.

English Football Association rules say players across the national pyramid are not permitted to place bets on football. Those who breach the regulation risk fines and bans.

Four of the five months in the ban issued to Foyo have been suspended, meaning he will only miss an initial month. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £1,000.

Broadway Gaming names Cleary as CEO

Online bingo specialist Broadway Gaming has appointed Mark Cleary as its new CEO.

Confirming the news on LinkedIn, Broadway said Cleary will make the step up from chief operations officer. He has served in his current role for more than eight years.

Cleary replaces founder David Butler as CEO. Butler will transition into the role of executive chairman, where he will focus on strategic partnerships and M&A opportunities.

“Mark has been instrumental in the company’s growth, operational excellence and team culture and driving Broadway to become the UK’s largest independent online bingo operator,” Broadway said.

Hickey takes managing director role at Games Inc

Another new appointment was confirmed at Games Inc, with Fiona Hickey becoming managing director.

Hickey takes on the role at the slot game studio after working in the iGaming sector for more than 15 years. She joins after six years with Push Gaming.

Hickey will focus on three areas: growing the studio’s distribution footprint, ramping up game output and strengthening its platform.

 “I am excited to be leading such a talented team at a really pivotal moment for Games Inc,” Hickey said.

Danish regulator raises awareness of helpline

Danish regulator Spillemyndigheden has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the StopSpillet helpline.

Running throughout October and December, the campaign will mainly target men in their 30s and 40s. Research showed fathers of that age may have more difficulty seeking help.

Since its launch in January 2019, StopSpillet has had almost 4,000 conversations with players and their relatives.

“The campaign is intended to show more of what you risk missing out on if you let gambling fill you up too much,” said Anders Dorph, director of Spillemyndigheden.

Light & Wonder launches cancer support campaign

Light & Wonder has partnered with several organisations to launch a new campaign focused on battling cancer.

“Gaming vs Cancer” will seek to raise awareness, funding and support for cancer research, care and community programmes. Global Gaming Women is among the organisations working with Light & Wonder on the initiative.

To support the initiative, Light & Wonder will hold a month-long fundraising campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society. It will match all donations up to $10,000 made through the Light & Wonder Game Changers for Good portal.

“As the leading cross-platform global games company, we recognise both the responsibility and the opportunity we have to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live, work and play,” said Shannon Demus, CFO Gaming Americas at Light & Wonder.

This year alone, three major casinos reached settlements with the Nevada Gaming Commission to resolve charges related to AML deficiencies at their properties. Ahead of next week’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, the American Gaming Association released a comprehensive guide to best practices for developing a robust AML framework across the gambling industry, not just in Las Vegas.

The association, which represents the $329 billion US casino industry, sponsors the expo each year. G2E annually ranks as one of the largest gambling conferences around the world.

The 64-page guide provides a roadmap for commercial sportsbooks on how to mitigate the widespread risks of money laundering. As gaming transactions through virtual currencies proliferate, the AGA devoted a lengthy section to best practices on combating crypto laundering.

To discourage illegal financial activity and safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry, casinos must develop effective risk-based programmes that ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, according to the AGA.

Heightened AML risks through sports betting

The binary outcomes offered through various sports wagers make the bet types a popular vehicle for money launderers, the AGA stated in the memo. As with games such as baccarat, craps and roulette, sports betting gives a customer the option to wager both sides as a way of laundering funds.

For example, if a bettor uses dirty money to wager $100 on a home team, then $100 on the other side, the bettor would only lose the vig, while receiving a clean payout from the casino.

According to the AGA, similar risks may arise when a patron places a bet with a legal sportsbook on behalf of an unidentified third party to conceal the source of funds. In gambling parlance, the practice is known as wagering through a “beard”.

AML best practises have received added scrutiny over the last 24 months in the wake of multiple convictions of illegal Southern California bookmakers during that span. In August, Matt Bowyer received a sentence of approximately one year in federal prison in connection with operating one of the nation’s largest illegal sports betting rings. Bowyer is the bookie who accepted roughly $325 million from Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani

In Las Vegas, Bowyer laundered millions of dollars through Resorts World Las Vegas. Beside Resorts World, MGM Resorts and Wynn Las Vegas also reached settlements with Nevada regulators this year to resolve AML charges.

In March, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved a $10.5 million settlement with Resorts World, the second-largest in state history. The NGC also levied fines of $5.5 million and $8.5 million against Wynn and MGM Resorts, respectively.

Challenges in enforcing crypto money laundering

Two other bookmakers in the case, Wayne Nix and Damien LeForbes, are awaiting sentencing. LeForbes, a pro poker player, also allegedly laundered millions in a casino purported to be Resorts World. In a 38-page federal plea agreement, prosecutors document a conversation LeForbes had with one of his betting clients.

Concerned that law enforcement might find a way to monitor the transaction, the client sought advice from the bookie. In response, LeForbes instructed the client to structure the payment by sending the debt to several different addresses: “I’d send $100K at a time to different addresses. You can create a different address in a wallet every time. Just don’t send [it] to an exchange.”

Authorities seized two Trezor wallets from LeForbes’ residence during a search on 22 December 2023.

When applying best practices for crypto transactions, the AGA advises that any virtual currency should be converted to US dollars prior to use at a sportsbook. Upon conversion to dollars, the transactions will be subject to the same Suspicious Activity Report reviews as other cash activity within a casino, according to the AGA.

Next week, several panels during the G2E conference will be devoted to AML practices throughout the industry. Compliance officials from MGM, Wynn and Resorts World will appear at a session early next week.

However, the market’s gambling trade body JDigital has criticised the measure, warning that comparisons between gambling and tobacco are unreasonable.  

In a statement to Infoplay on Thursday, the trade body said the measure was “difficult to justify” and “did not correspond to the nature of regulated online gambling in Spain, which is one of the most monitored and controlled activities in Europe”.  

The rule has already been implemented into Spain’s gambling laws this week as part of the Royal Decree 958/2020, which covers marketing and gambling communications.  

Spain gambling warnings to help prevent addiction

The announcement was made by Minister for Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy at a safer gambling event on Wednesday. He said the messaging must be displayed across online games and in any banners and marketing messaging on social media.  

Current messaging which includes “play responsibly” will be replaced by warnings such as: “Gambling addiction is a risk of gambling”, “The probability of being a losing gambler is 75%” and “Losses for all gamblers are four times greater than their winnings”.  

“The responsibility should not fall on users but on the authorities, who have the democratic duty to ensure that the environments they access are safe,” Bustinduy told attendees.  

These new warnings are based on 2024 addiction research published by the Spanish Ministry for Health, which formed part of the country’s National Drug Plan. The report sought to determine the prevalence of gambling, both online and in-person, among the Spanish population. 

Within its findings, the research said up to 82% of treatment admissions in Spain during 2022 were related to gambling addiction. 

The minister said the new measure would help prevent gambling addiction and problem behaviours before they occur.  

Referencing land-based betting, he said “unscrupulous” companies have no qualms about taking advantage of those in greater need. This, he said, is also happening online.  

Ban on celebrity advertising back on the cards 

Notably, the minister is also working to reinstate regulations banning celebrities and influencers from promoting gambling activities and banning welcome bonuses aimed at young people.  

This change is being processed through the Spanish Congress and he did not offer a timeframe for the measure to be reinstated.  

It relates to a host of previous measures passed in November 2020 restricting marketing activities for gambling operators. These included banning sponsorship deals with operators and welcome bonuses.  

However, these were partly reinstated in April last year, meaning operators could once again use celebrities to market their products and could offer welcome bonuses. But some stakeholders have hinted that certain measures could be reinstated, as Minister Bustinduy indicated on Wednesday.  

Published on Thursday, the survey assessed players’ behaviour during 2024. Findings were based on the responses of 19,714 people from all areas of Great Britain.

Of those aged 18 to 34, some 5.3% noted a “severe consequence” as a result of gambling in the past 12 months, compared to 0.8% of those aged 55 and over.

Again, the Gambling Commission’s GSGB survey used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure both behavioural symptoms of gambling disorder and certain adverse consequences from gambling.

Of all players, 8.8% had a PGSI score of one to two, at the lower end of the spectrum. Some 3.1% scored between three and seven, while 2.7% had a score of eight or more, indicating a problem or being at risk of harm. The commission noted that the latter percentage was in line with the previous year.

Also similar to year one were the severe consequences of gambling. The most reported issue was a relationship breakdown, with 1.6% of respondents flagging this.

Male participants who had gambled in the past 12 months were more likely to experience at least one severe consequence due to their own betting habits than female gamblers. The contrast between men and women was 3.5% against 1.7%.

The Gambling Commission’s GSGB also raised concerns of suicide ideation or attempts, with participants asked if they had thought about taking their own life or had attempted to do so during the past 12 months. Of the 12.2% that said yes, 5.2% said this was in some way related to gambling.

Almost half of surveyed adults gambled in last month

Overall, 48% of adults aged over 18 gambled in the last four weeks, although this decreased to 28% when excluding those who only purchased lottery tickets. This, the commission said, was in line with the first edition of the survey, published last year.

Participants were more likely to gamble online (38%) than in person (29%). However, lottery again played a major factor as, after excluding lottery ticket purchase, online play rate was 16%. This compared to 18% gambling at a physical location.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the National Lottery was the most popular form of gambling, with 31% taking part. Buying tickets for other charity lotteries was next on 16%, followed by scratchcards with 13%.

It was also noted that men were more likely to have gambled in the past four weeks than women. Some 51% of men gambled in the reporting period, compared to 44% of women, which was in line with the 2023 findings.

As to how people felt about gambling, of those who gambled in the past 12 months, 42% said they had a positive experience. This was compared to 21% who rated it negatively.

Some 85% of players said the chance of winning large sums of money was the primary reason that they gambled. Players also listed gambling being fun as another core reason, with this coming in second on 72%.

Number of gamblers accessing help remains low

Other key points from the Gambling Commission’s GSGB included access to help. Just 3.4% of those who gambled in the past 12 months had sought support because of their own gambling.

The most popular source of help was gambling support services at 1.2%, while 1.7% said they accessed mental health services and food banks or welfare organisations.

It was also noted that 3.3% of people reported that someone close to them who gambled had sought some form of support.

“The GSGB is a key building block of the evidence base which helps government, industry and other partners understand both gambling behaviour and potential consequences from gambling,” Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes said of the statistics.

“This year’s findings deepen our understanding of the consequences from gambling and provide crucial insight into risk profiles among those who gamble most frequently. We strongly encourage operators to use this evidence to consider the risks within their own customer bases.

“Data and research, such as GSGB, is essential to help us identify where our regulatory focus should be and informs our ongoing work to implement player protection recommendations from the Gambling Act review white paper.”

Last November, the Supreme Federal Court in Brazil upheld an emergency measure to ban gambling using social welfare proceeds.

Then in April, SPA chief Regis Dudena confirmed the ban was incoming. However, legal assessments of measures were needed before any ordinance could be published in order to formally introduce the total ban.

On Wednesday, the SPA published Normative Ordinance No 2,217/2025 and Normative Instruction No 22, regulating the participation of beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família and Continuous Benefit Payment programmes in fixed-odds betting.

Notably, the ban completely prohibits social welfare beneficiaries from betting – something that goes beyond the initial ban on betting with direct social welfare proceeds.

Dudena believes the ban will protect Brazilians from betting beyond their means, noting in a Wednesday statement: “To ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, it was necessary to develop a robust technical tool, carefully ensuring that the measure guaranteed the protection of the rights involved.

“Protecting citizens, their security, their rights and their personal data are always objectives of the Brazilian government.”

Dudena had previously warned the ban on just the use of social welfare proceeds for betting would be difficult to implement.

It was reported by the National Secretariat of Citizen Income (Senarc) that only 1% of Bolsa Família households use the programme’s physical card. The other 99% rely on the linked online bank account, which can also receive wages and other payments.

How will the ban work?

A database of those receiving benefits from social welfare programmes has been created. Operators must consult the database during their checks, referencing player registrations and logins.

Additionally, betting operators must also consult Sigap, Brazil’s betting management system, to crosscheck bettors’ Individual Taxpayer Registry numbers to verify which users are included in the database of social welfare beneficiaries.

This process must be carried out at least every 15 days for all users registered in an operator’s betting system.

If they are included on the database, operators must block their registration, close their account and return any deposited amounts to the account holder.

The rules came into effect with the publication of Normative Ordinance No 2,217/2025 on Wednesday. Operators have up to 30 days to implement the ban.

Responsible gaming ordinance amended to include ban

In enforcing the measure, the SPA amended Normative Ordinance No 1,231, published on 31 July 2024, relating to responsible gambling regulations in Brazil.

Before closing a bettor’s account, operators must inform the user of the ban via email, messaging applications, SMS or other available means within one day of receiving confirmation from Sigap.

The operator must also inform the user they are able to voluntarily withdraw their funds within one day of the consultation, with a further two-day period allocated for the withdrawal.

If unclaimed within 180 days, the money will go to the Student Financing Fund and the National Fund for Public Calamities, Protection and Civil Defence.

If a user’s CPF number is removed from the Prohibited Persons Module on Sigap, they will once again be allowed to bet.

However, operators are prohibited from any targeted advertising or directly notifying such users about the possibility of readmission into their betting systems.

Beyond the 30-day limit for implementation of the ban, operators have 45 days from the Normative Instruction’s publication to cross-reference its list of registered bettors with Sigap’s prohibited list for the first time.

Any operators failing to comply with the ban will face the sanctions outlined in previous ordinances.

These could include licence terminations or suspensions. Additionally, they could face a fine of between 0.1% and 20% of their proceeds over the year prior to proceedings starting. This fine cannot exceed BRL2 billion.

Bolsa Família ban splits opinion

The ban has certainly been divisive in Brazil.

For instance, the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) sent a note to the SPA in October, taking issue with the complete ban on social welfare beneficiaries from betting.

According to the ANJL, this contradicts the Supreme Court’s initial decision on the matter, which only banned users from betting with their welfare proceeds, rather than banning them from gambling entirely.

Luiz Felipe Maia, founding partner of Brazilian law firm Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, previously told iGB the ban could infringe upon the civil rights of Brazilians.

“What we’re saying is ‘Okay, if I am in a situation where I need welfare, I cannot decide where I’m going to spend my money, so I have limited freedom’,” Felipe Maia said.

“Either you give them stamps and say, ‘Okay, these stamps are for food and you can only use those for food’, or you’re giving them money and you’re allowing them to decide what they’re going to do with that money.”

Ed Birkin, managing director of H2 Gambling Capital, also warned that while the ban is well intentioned, it could lead to increased black market activity.

“There may be some who say, frankly, you should spend money on what you want,” Birkin told iGB. “But if you’ve been given benefits for a certain reason, then that’s it.

“But this idea that they can stop them betting; unless they’re able to really go down to restricting almost what they can spend it on [and say] you cannot spend it with a legal betting operator, they’re just spending with the illegal ones.”

However, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has thrown its support behind the ban, believing it’s another step in the right direction of protecting vulnerable people in Brazil.

Akpabio bemoaned the absence of regulatory action against bad actors that are collaborating with fintech companies to bypass regulations in the country and deliver uncensored betting ads.

As in many emerging markets, gambling addiction rates are growing in the West African market and this advertising loophole is having an impact.

“Fintechs have turned into extensions of gambling operators and no one is saying a word,” Akpabio tells iGB.

“You can now place a bet from your Opay app as it takes you to a gambling site through the app. Opay is not licensed by regulatory authorities to do so. They are bombarding some underage people with over 15 messages to gamble per minute.”

Opay Digital Services Limited is a very popular personal finance app in Nigeria, currently serving several millions of users, due to its lightning-fast mobile payment ability. Many online operators are adopting it as a payment solution, alongside Palmpay, another mainstream choice.

Currently, these fintech brands have over 30 iGaming companies each as their client providers. However, while they are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, they are not approved to provide or advertise betting in any way to their users.

Nigerian operators falling foul of responsible gambling?

“Last week, a bettor sent us a screenshot of over 11 messages received in just a minute, asking him to fund his betting account, prompting him to click on an ad to get a free bet,” says Akpabio.

“Another ad read, ‘If you deposit in your betting account daily, you stand a chance to win an iPhone.’ Stuff like that is horrible.

“In what country is that permissible? For something that could get extremely addictive, no one should be prompted to bet [through these instant payment apps],” he added.

“Bettors should gamble for entertainment, and with monies they can afford to lose. Not every day would a bettor want to lose money, but now the operators are pushing them into doing this as often as they can.”

Gabriel suggested that regulatory bodies could have directly or indirectly contributed to the problem as they have refused to respond to letters and calls to action from Gamble Aware.

“I have reached out to the LSLGA, the biggest regulator in Nigeria at least 22 times this year, sent them at least four letters in hard copy as well,” Akpabio says.

Gambling addiction threat in Nigeria

Last month, Nigerian state regulator LSLGA launched SafePlay, a national self-exclusion portal for problem gamblers, but Akpabio insists problem gambling rates are still on the rise, including among minors who are being targeted by these fintech apps.

“Over 60 million Nigerians are gamblers and more than 14% of that number are actually struggling with the addiction that comes with it,” he adds.  

“Today, there are a lot of minors being exposed to betting through these fintech apps. We handle cases of underage gamblers a lot, and when you try to ascertain how they got introduced to this the answer is always the same – through these apps.”

Lagos State Lottery laws for operators require gambling ads to be “ethical”, Akpabio explains, with 15%-20% of the ad’s running time to be used to raise awareness of gambling addiction.

He says the charity is not anti-gambling but is calling for better protections for players.

“Awareness about the harmful effects of gambling needs to be created. It shouldn’t be just us, or Gamble Alert [doing that work]. It really should be championed by the regulators and these operators. If not, the worst could happen.”

Based on a 2024 pilot survey of 3,881 adults in Australia, the study reported 65.1% gambled at least once in the last year. This was 8% more than the 57% of adults who, when asked during a similar study in 2019, said they gambled.

Lottery was by far the most popular gambling product, with 52.7% taking part during 2024. Scratch tickets ranked second with a 24.5% play rate, ahead of poker machines on 19.8%. Racing betting scored 17.8% and sports betting 12.5%.

Queensland had the most gamblers, with 70.2% of surveyed adults in the state participating in some form. Western Australia was close behind with a 69.9% play rate, ahead of South Australia on 67.9%.

In terms of frequency, 31.9% of adults in Australia gambled at least monthly. Of those who were classed as “regular gamblers”, 73.8% played the lottery, 22.1% poker machines and racing betting 17.1%.

Australia sees increase in gambling harm

However, accompanying the rise in participation was higher gambling harm rates. Of those who were surveyed, 15% were classified as “at-risk” of or already experiencing some kind of harm.

Some 7.6% were seen as low risk, 4.8% at moderate risk and 2.6% high risk. Scoring was based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), first used by the British Gambling Commission. PGSI asks nine questions about a player’s gambling behaviour, with scores based on their answers.

Low-risk and moderate-risk adults differed across age groups, with those aged 35 and above who gambled regularly more likely to fall into these categories. However, it was also noted players aged 18-24 were at higher risk, with 17.8% in this segment.

As for gender, 9.3% of men who gambled regularly were at high risk of harm, compared to 5.8% of women. It was also noted that 18.9% of respondents experienced some form of intimate partner violence from a partner who gambled weekly or more in 2024, in contrast to 6.8% who said their partner did not gamble regularly.

High-risk gamblers also experienced higher rates of financial hardship. Some 65.9% in this group reported financial issues, compared to 24.1% in the low-risk and 33.9% moderate-risk categories. However, for low- and moderate-risk gamblers, financial hardship was still higher than non-risk gamblers (15.5%).

Calls for improvement in harm reduction measures

AIFS Director Liz Neville said the findings highlight the need for improvements in how the country addresses gambling harm. This, she added, should include expanded monitoring of players.

“This pilot study gives us a clearer picture of the scale of the issue, who is most affected, and how policy and regulation need to keep pace,” Neville said. “The current harm reduction initiatives need to be carefully examined and tested in view of this evidence, with ongoing measurement making for more impactful responses over time.”

“Gambling is pervasive. We need a more robust approach to help families and communities, as well as the individuals themselves who are affected by their own gambling.”

AGRC Research Fellow Gabriel Tillman added: “We know that gambling can cause deep harm to individuals and families, profoundly impacting relationships, mental health, work and other aspects of life.

“The fact that more than three million Australian adults are experiencing harms from their gambling, and these numbers have increased in recent years despite harm-reduction measures, should concern Australians.”

Established in 2008, the ABSG has advised the regulator on reducing gambling harms and ensuring safer gambling for 17 years. This was in line with its National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.

However, the strategy has now concluded and, according to the commission, delivered its “key milestones”. The regulator added it will now focus on new arrangements “better aligned to the next phase of research and regulation”.

During its operating years, the ABSG contributed to several key developments in regulation. These included recognising gambling harms as a public health issue and helping establish the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP).

The shift follows the introduction of the statutory levy, announced in November 2024. As part of the levy, responsibility for research and funding to prevent gambling harms has been shifted from GambleAware under the voluntary code, to government-appointed national healthcare bodies.

On the back of securing additional funding from the new levy, the Gambling Commission plans to establish a new research-focused expert group to support expanded research.

‘Huge contribution’ to gambling regulation

Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes paid tribute to the ABSG in a statement by the regulator on 19 September. He said that while it played an “important” role in new regulation, it is the “right time” to end its operations.

“ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation,” Rhodes said.

“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work.

“This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”

Helen Child, head of governance at the regulator, added: “ABSG made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”

Another casualty of statutory levy

The ABSG is not the only responsible gambling setup to fall by the wayside in the wake of the statutory levy.

In July, GambleAware confirmed it will halt all activities and transition its work to the British government by the end of March 2026. It said this was following the introduction of the new levy.

GambleAware has, however, been supportive of the levy since it was proposed within the government’s white paper. All work historically delivered by the charity will transition to the government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.

ESPN reported recently that the two sides finalised the settlement in early 2025. The network also reported last year that the Jaguars made a request to FanDuel to repay a portion of the embezzled funds. Securities filings indicate that the settlement may be easier for FanDuel to swallow in comparison with initial projections.

Earlier this year, FanDuel finalised the agreement with the Jaguars to compensate the NFL club for approximately $20 million in stolen funds that the employee deposited at the sportsbook. But in a series of legal matters where requested damages by the employee stretch to $250 million, this Jaguars settlement looks relatively smaller, especially compared to the company balance sheet.

During the second quarter, Flutter produced revenue of $4.19 billion for the three months period ended 30 June. In the US, Flutter generated revenue of $1.79 billion, with sportsbook revenue of $1.22 billion.

A FanDuel spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

Jaguars legal costs not broached in Flutter filing

Amit Patel, a former Jaguars executive, pleaded guilty in 2023 to misappropriating $22 million from the team’s Virtual Credit Card (VCC) programme in a brazen bid to fuel his gambling habit. Patel, who served as the sole custodian of the team’s VCC system, received a 78-month prison sentence last year on several charges, including wire fraud.

The exact timing of the settlement is unclear, but it appears to have been reached around March when FanDuel parent Flutter released a Form 10-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The filing, which covers Flutter’s annual report for the 2024 fiscal year, contained a series of potential damages regarding pending litigation against the company.

While Flutter informed the SEC of litigation on several continents, the section on legal contingencies did not contain any matters in North America. The section included:

• Alleged German and Austrian player claims for the reimbursement of historic gaming losses.
• A tax dispute with Italian authorities over Pokerstars server infrastructure.
• An investigation into historical underpayment of a goods and services tax in India.

Of the three, the lowest contingency is the Italian tax settlement for €8 million ($9 million), Flutter disclosed. Flutter strongly disputes the European matter and wrote that it was unable to determine a reasonable estimate on a range of potential losses in the India case.

How FanDuel settlement could cut off potential harm

Thus far in 2025, Flutter has released quarterly filings in May and August for the first six months of the year. Flutter did not alert the SEC of the Jaguars settlement in either filing.

But that does not necessarily mean FanDuel is downplaying the gravity of the case.

In a parallel matter, Patel filed a $250 million federal lawsuit against FanDuel, alleging that the company took advantage of his gambling addiction. Diagnosed with a gambling disorder a month after his termination by the Jaguars, Patel claimed that FanDuel should have known that he was a compulsive gambler since he made more than 1,000 deposits of at least $20,000.

In the annual report, Flutter stated that the company will likely face “increased scrutiny” related to responsible gaming in the relative near future. While Flutter asserted that it implemented safer gambling measures designed to protect customers, if the perception develops that the company fails to adequately protect vulnerable players, it may suffer from reputational harm.

Since her appointment as CEO of FanDuel in 2021, Amy Howe has asserted that the company strives to “lead the industry” in responsible gambling.

In one month alone, Patel made $5.6 million in fraudulent transactions, an amount that exceeded the cap of the VCC programme, court records indicate. Patel indicated in an interview with law enforcement that he artificially inflated legitimate expenses and generated fictitious charges under the scheme.

The NFL encouraged the Jaguars and FanDuel to reach a settlement, but it did not participate in the negotiations, according to ESPN. Last July, the Jaguars filed a lawsuit against FanDuel in Florida state court seeking damages of $66.6 million.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the NCAA announced that its enforcement staff is processing alleged violations of sports betting rules and/or related failure-to-cooperate violations for 13 former men’s basketball players. While the NCAA did not release the players’ names, it said they competed at six different schools: Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley State. None of the players are currently enrolled at their previous schools, the NCAA noted.

The announcement comes one day after the NCAA permanently banned three former Fresno State and San Jose State basketball players for a litany of sports betting violations. The college sports betting investigation is progressing during a summer in which multiple professional sports leagues have dealt with gambling scandals.

On Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the NBA is conducting an internal investigation involving former Pistons guard Malik Beasley. Over the summer, multiple reports surfaced that federal prosecutors in the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York sought information on Beasley in a gambling probe. Beasley has not been charged criminally in the matter.

Sordid gambling history at Arizona State

Of the six schools publicly identified on Thursday, Arizona State is the only school whose inclusion is unexpected, according to an industry source who has monitored the investigation closely. In January, New Orleans suspended four players for potential NCAA violations associated with sports betting. Days later, ESPN reported that a sports betting ring under federal investigation placed wagers against North Carolina A&T, Eastern Michigan and Mississippi Valley State.

Arizona State has past history with such probes, in that in 1997, guard Stevin “Hedake” Smith was arrested in connection with a point-shaving scandal. Smith pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to fix four basketball games during the 1993-94 season.

Smith joined EPIC Global Solutions, a gambling harm reduction firm in 2024. In a July 2024 press release, Smith said that he is “passionate” about telling his story, adding that he wanted to inform others to prevent it from “happening again”.

Addressing Thursday’s announcement, Arizona State issued the following statement: “Arizona State is aware of the NCAA investigation and outcome related to a former student-athlete who is no longer enrolled at ASU. The university cooperated fully with all inquiries and was not implicated in any way.”

Next steps

In March the NCAA announced an extension to its longstanding relationship with EPIC Global Solutions. To date, more than 100,000 student-athletes, coaches and administrators have been reached by the EPIC collaboration, making it the largest programme of its kind globally, the NCAA wrote in Thursday’s release.

Last December, NCAA President Charlie Baker testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s federal hearing on sports betting. Baker, former governor of Massachusetts, has lobbied states with legal sports gambling to prohibit prop bets involving college athletes. Baker reiterated his push for restrictions on props earlier this week.

“The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks such as these,” Baker wrote.

As with previously resolved cases, the schools in the ongoing investigation are not alleged to have been involved in the violations by student-athletes, the NCAA stated. Moreover, the NCAA’s enforcement staff is not seeking penalties for the schools themselves for the student-athletes’ conduct.

Operating on a global scale, the programme will work with both researchers and academics to develop new player protection measures.

An initial call for proposals, which runs through to 14 November this year, will focus on three core areas. These comprise digital innovation; using messaging to drive positive playing; and developing effective safety tools.

Projects must align with Allwyn’s responsible gambling priorities, including driving positive play through safer gaming messaging, digital innovation and the development of effective new tools. Proposals must also address a knowledge gap and deliver benefits for player safety.

Allwyn said it would award funding of up to €100,000 ($117,115) for each successful project submitted during the open application. This, it added, would depend on the scope of each prospective proposal.

Funding will be made available across two budgetary bands: up to €50,000 for small-scale projects or €51,000-€100,000 for medium-scale projects.

Ongoing commitment to player protection at Allwyn

The launch of the Player Protection Lab represents the latest responsible gambling initiative to come out of Allwyn. In August, the group also commenced its first group-level responsible gambling campaign – Play the Right Way. This focused on encouraging players to make use of spending limits and other responsible gaming tools.

“The Player Protection Lab is an exciting new avenue for us,” Allwyn Head of Responsible Gaming Nicole Garrett said. “Our responsible gaming team is seeking proposals that will encourage progress in player safety and break new ground in our industry.

“We hope that by opening the application process, we will have the opportunity to explore genuinely new ideas and draw lessons from other sectors.”

Changes aplenty for Allwyn

Aside from player protection, Allwyn has recently made several other changes as part of an effort to improve the overall customer experience.

These include a major tech upgrade to the National Lottery, where Allwyn carried out wide-scale changes across the lottery retail network. It also committed to installing thousands of new lottery terminals over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Allwyn has advanced its digital-focused strategy with several deals. These included agreeing to acquire a 51% majority stake in Logflex MT Holding Limited, the owner of online sports betting and gaming group Novibet. It also announced the sale of land-based casino assets in Germany and Australia and acquired the remaining stake in Greece- and Cyprus-facing online operator Stoiximan.

In addition, Allwyn appointed Kresimir Spajic as CEO of its new digital business.

On top of all this, Allwyn reported a 6% year-on-year increase in revenue to €2.27 billion during Q2, while adjusted EBITDA also climbed 6% to €362 million.

In late August, the SPA released extensive data which revealed the licensed betting market’s GGR reached BRL17.4 billion ($3.2 billion) during H1 2025.  

The data also reported 17.7 million Brazilians wagered with licensed operators during the period, equating to around 8.3% of the total population and, crucially, 10.6% of adults in Brazil. 

This figure has cast doubt on the argument being championed by some politicians that regulation, despite its nascent status, is driving high levels of gambling addiction in Brazil. 

Ed Birkin, managing director of H2 Gambling Capital, believes the data shows player activity is in line with what you’d expect from a regulated online market.  

Birkin says the data “opposes the rhetoric of mass gambling addiction” in Brazil. 

“In the Netherlands, we estimate that ~5.4% of the adult population have accounts with legal operators,” Birkin tells iGB. “By contrast, in the UK ~20% of the adult population has an online betting or gaming account.  

“So really, this puts Brazil around the level that you’d expect for a ’normal’ amount of online gambling. How much of that is problem gambling is a different question, but it certainly flies against the view of a pandemic of gambling across the nation.” 

SPA pushing for data-based regulation 

The narrative that regulated online gambling is causing an addiction pandemic in Brazil has led to a number of movements and Senate bills seeking to restrict the licensed sector. 

The industry is awaiting a vote on whether the government will make a gambling tax rise permanent. Meanwhile, additional ad restrictions are also under discussion.  

The sector has urged politicians to take a data-based approach to regulation and, in the SPA’s H1 data release, its chief, Regis Dudena, echoed those thoughts. 

“From here on the debate on the fixed-odds betting market in Brazil can be conducted with even more solid elements, enabling us to advance evidence-based regulation,” Dudena said. 

Udo Seckelmann, head of gambling & crypto at Bichara e Motta Advogados, describes this as a “positive development” for the sector. 

“For any regulated industry policymaking should be based on evidence and not solely on perception,” says Seckelmann.  

“By making market data publicly available and emphasising its use to support regulatory evolution, the SPA signals it is willing to pursue a more technical and transparent dialogue with stakeholders.  

“This strengthens regulatory credibility and reduces the risk of measures that could unintentionally harm the sector’s competitiveness.” 

The illegal market 

Birkin largely agrees with Seckelmann, noting many lawmakers set regulations based on “idealistic views or prejudices” rather than data-led analysis. 

However, he warns it’s also important to ascertain just how big the illegal market is. 

Estimates on the size of Brazil’s black market vary. H2 Gambling Capital believes it makes up around 30% of the total betting sector, while the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming estimates it is between 40% and 60%. 

“For me, having a base line of a generally accepted illegal market size is key,” Birkin continues. “The number one aim of regulation should be to bring as many players onshore to gamble in a protected and regulated environment.  

“To measure the effectiveness of this, and the impact of existing and proposed regulatory change, you need to be measuring the size of the illegal market and how that’s growing or declining. So releasing legal market data is only part of the job.” 

Data release encouraging for Brazil’s nascent sector 

While some raised questions over why it took the SPA nearly eight months of regulation to release initial market data, both Seckelmann and Birkin believe this is natural and the data shows Brazil is growing as forecasted.  

“The H1 figures published by the SPA are encouraging, as they demonstrate that the regulated market is already consolidating in Brazil,” Seckelmann says.  

“The numbers broadly align with the sector’s expectations regarding both volume of bets and tax collection.  

“What is most important is that these figures confirm the relevance of the regulated market as a driver of economic activity, job creation and responsible entertainment.” 

This transparency, Seckelmann concludes, will strengthen bettors’ trust in the regulated market, perhaps diminishing the appeal of unlicensed offerings. 

“When bettors see that the regulated market is generating significant tax revenues, being closely monitored and contributing positively to society, they are more likely to choose legal platforms,” Seckelmann adds.  

“The publication of data reinforces the legitimacy of licensed operators, while simultaneously highlighting the risks of offshore platforms that operate outside of Brazilian law.  

“In this sense, the SPA’s initiative supports not only public confidence but also the long-term sustainability of the regulated market.” 

The report, published on Friday, focused on systems currently in place across operators that hold a Dutch online gambling licence. Research took place during 2024 and 2025, with the aim of determining whether the analysis measuring systems suitably helped to protect players from harms.

Such systems are part of the duty of care requirements that apply to all licensed operators in the Netherlands. They must determine the level of risk associated with so-called “high-risk games” such as online slots. Based on this, they must implement measures to help prevent harms.

In addition, it questioned the associated costs of the systems. KSA said conducting the risk analyses required “significant” effort and expense for a licensee, while only providing “little” additional protection for the player.

KSA questions methods for risk analysis

Setting out its primary concerns, KSA said the methods for carrying out risk analyses remain “under debate”. It identified five different methods, with the most popular systems being Asterig and Gamgard.

Asterig was established in 2010 and further developed in 2013, and is publicly available to all operators. KSA said while it delivers consistent results, there are concerns over reliability, validity and applicability, adding it is “insufficiently substantiated”. Limitations include the criteria used and scoring scales.

As for Gamgard, KSA said this should be regarded only as a preliminary screening, as only a limited number of potential risk factors are assessed. Researchers questioned its validity and transparency, adding that it is not publicly available.

“These methods originate from a time when the online market in the Netherlands was not yet legalised,” KSA said. “As far as KSA could establish, these methods have not been further developed since the opening of the Dutch online market on 1 October 2021. Although academic articles raised concerns about these methods at the time, no new or alternative methods have emerged to date.”

The regulator found in nearly all cases, licensees conducted their risk analysis by game category rather than for each individual game to save time and costs, and because they found game styles within each category did not differ very much.

KSA took issue with analysis not being conducted per game. Analysis conducted at the game category level could lead to some games being assigned too low a risk level. However, current regulations do not contain any rules on this specifically.

Operators were found to use a mixture of external and internal analysis for these player risks. The KSA found 21 licensees used an external analyst, while seven conducted the whole of the risk analysis internally.

Variable outcomes a concern for KSA

The regulator also took issue with how operators presented different outcomes for the same games. During the study, licensees used six different consultancies and consultants, with the analyses differing across certain operators. This, KSA said, was the case even when the same games were being analysed.

“Analyses differ by licensee, even when the same consultancy/consultant is used,” KSA said. “As these often concern the same games, it appears that the risk analyses do not lead to consistent results, even when conducted by the same party.”

Off the back of this, the regulator flagged how the outcome of risk analyses across operators are not comparable. This, it said, was partly due to some licensees taking mitigating measures into account, while others do not. As such, KSA questioned whether the licensees are correctly assessing the risk of the games they offer.

A further concern related to how independent and expert conduct of analyses is not always “adequately guaranteed”. KSA said uncertainty as to who was considered “independent” was an issue, while the expertise and knowledge of some external analysts was “insufficiently clear”.

As such, KSA concluded the current system is not up to scratch. It said it is already in talks with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security about future improvements. KSA added that its long-term aim is for a “uniform system” to determine risk analysis for online games.

Henrique was sentenced on Thursday by the First Disciplinary Committee of Brazil’s Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), after being found guilty on a majority vote of intentionally getting a yellow card in a 2023 game between Flamengo and Santos.

It follows an investigation from the Federal Police, which uncovered an “overwhelming number of bets” placed on Henrique getting the yellow card, with all 19 of these bets placed from accounts in the Belo Horizonte region, Henrique’s hometown.

Sportradar submitted a report to the investigation, which flagged the same suspicious behaviour.

Alongside Henrique, four other amateur athletes were also charged, including three of his friends, as well as Henrique’s brother, Wander Nunes Pinto Junior, who was found to be the organiser of the bets.

The three friends were suspended for between six and seven matches, while Henrique’s brother was banned for 12 games. With the sentencing handed down by a lower court, the decision can yet be appealed in front of the full court.

Henrique, who has played two games for Brazil, denied the charges, saying: “I never committed the offences I am accused of.”

Henrique not guilty of deliberately harming Flamengo

Initially, the Prosecutor’s Office charged Henrique with two articles of the Brazilian Judicial Code.

The first was Article 243, which relates to harming his own team, while Article 243-A is acting to influence the outcome of a match.

Following the conclusion of the arguments in the STJD, reporting judge Alcino Guedes announced the acquittal of Henrique on Article 243, saying: “I do not see in the conduct of the accused Bruno Henrique any evidence of deliberately acting in a way that harmed his team.”

But Guedes did find Henrique guilty of Article 243-A, handing down the minimum penalty of a 12-match ban and a BRL60,000 fine.

Henrique’s brother Wander was described by Guedes as the “mastermind” and “coordinator” of the betting, applying the maximum penalty of a 24-match suspension, although he reduced this by half due to Wander being an amateur athlete.

Guedes also granted the Prosecutor Office’s request to send a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation regarding the decision, which will then be forwarded to Fifa.

The letter will seek to extend the effects of the penalties handed down by the STJD to the athlete’s registration with Fifa so that the sanctions apply internationally.

Notably, Henrique was defended by attorney and Flamengo representative Michel Assef Filho, who reiterated the club’s support for the player over the betting controversy.

“If Flamengo believed that Bruno Henrique took any action to harm the club, I wouldn’t be here,” Filho said. “We’re here because we understand there was no violation. There was no action by Bruno Henrique that could have affected the outcome of the match.”

Attendees and speakers pushed back against her speech, insisting the sector’s growth directly conflicted with efforts to reduce gambling harms. Peers for Gambling Reform hosted the event with Lord Foster of Bath chairing.

Reform campaigners and charities, gambling harm researchers and people with lived experience made up most of the audience.

In her speech, which opened the conference on Wednesday, Twycross said her biggest challenge when making policy decisions was striking “the right balance between” opposing views on gambling reform and ensuring the UK sector is supported. 

“It is a big responsibility, but I do want to continue with reforms that will improve consumer protection while supporting the sector that makes an important economic societal contribution,” she said.  

“I know most of you don’t think this is possible, but I am going to be open with you about the approach we are taking as a government,” she continued.  

Statutory levy governance to ensure ‘smooth transition’ to new system 

Speaking on the statutory levy, Twycross thanked many of those in attendance for their role in the levy’s implementation. “I think it is going to make a considerable difference,” she said.  

“The three responsible commissioners in England will naturally take time to set up structures to allow funding to flow effectively.  

“Although the relevant commissioners are leading the decision making, where appropriate we want to make sure that we maintain expertise and provision of service for those who need it most, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system and avoiding a cliff-edge improvision,” she added. 

An independent body will oversee the levy’s implementation and ensure appropriate distribution of funding. Twycross said the “clear governance structure will look objectively at how the levy is working and hold the commissioners to account”.  

The Baroness told the audience an independent and impartial process will decide where to spend the funding. This is a top priority for DCMS, she said.  

Levy board will identify and stamp out conflicts of interest in research funding 

Researchers raised concerns at an April parliamentary health committee hearing about GambleAware funding industry-influenced research.

Speaking during the committee session, Sam Chamberlain, professor of psychiatry at the University of Southampton, said: “There’s been a lack of funding from our trusted funding bodies. In pragmatic terms, the industry has been giving cash to one massive charity that then has been handing out that money to various organisations. [But] I’m not saying that all of that work is invalid.” 

On this, Twycross told the audience: “Independence is as important to me as it is to you.  

“When I took on this role it was made really clear to me one of the greatest challenges you face in using research, was concerns over whether research was funded by organisations with clear vested interests and those couldn’t be trusted. 

“So I have been assured that robust processes will be in place to identify and manage any conflicts of interest, including ensuring there is no influence rising as a result of the previous funding arrangements [under the voluntary levy].” 

In April the government implemented the statutory levy and the Gambling Commission released a breakdown of rates based on an operator’s licence. Operators could face licence revocation if they do not adhere to levy requirements.

Funding confirmed for Dutch gambling addiction programme

Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has confirmed the extension of a gambling harms, addiction and prevention programme in the country.

KSA will continue to work with healthcare research and healthcare innovation organisation ZonMw on the initiative.

The programme has also secured an additional €21 million ($25 million) in funding. This will be used to fund independent research to improve the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

“The protection of players is a key priority for the KSA,” Michel Groothuizen, KSA chair, said on 28 August. “By continuing this programme, we are joining forces to gather more necessary knowledge on this subject, so that we can prevent gambling harm as much as possible.”

Trio of appointments for Western Australia regulator

New appointments have been confirmed at the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC) of Western Australia (WA).

Former WA Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Steel, lawyer Melanie Cave and former minister Bill Johnston will all join the body. The trio of appointments was announced by the state’s government.

Steel became the first full-time member at the commission. He will continue to oversee casino activities to ensure operations are lawful and responsible

Cave brings experience in commercial and property law. In addition, Johnston joins the GWC after 17 years working as a minister and retiring from parliament prior to the March 2025 state election.

BCLC hits back at anti-money laundering ruling

Meanwhile in Canada, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has appealed a ruling by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) over a notice of violation.

FINTRAC delivered findings of alleged administrative deficiencies on anti-money laundering legislation at the BCLC. The findings did not include allegations of any criminal offence.

The BCLC said it conducted a review of the findings, providing information to support its case against FINTRAC. However, FINTRAC elected to uphold the decision, with the BCLC seeking a repeal of this ruling.

“We take responsibilities under Canadian anti-money laundering legislation very seriously,” the BCLC said. “We are confident in its position we have fully complied with all legal and regulatory obligations.”

MGM to increase NFL responsible gambling messaging

Turning to the US, MGM Resorts International and BetMGM will increase responsible gambling messaging inside NFL stadiums for the upcoming season.

For the third consecutive year, GameSense messaging will appear on LED ribbons at selected stadia. Also new for the 2025 season, these messages will be featured prominently on stadium scoreboards during pre-game activities and also within gameday magazines.

GameSense is a responsible gaming programme first developed and licensed to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the BCLC. The programme focuses on engagements with guests and customers about how to gamble responsibly.

“Placing GameSense in league stadiums gives us direct access to millions of fans each week,” said Rhea Loney, chief compliance officer at BetMGM. “It’s a powerful platform to promote public awareness and amplify our commitment to provide a safe and informed gambling experience.”

Bet365 secures Maryland sports betting licence

Finally this week, Bet365, through its Hillside parent company, secured an online sports betting licence in Maryland.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission signed off on the licence and Bet365 has since rolled out its online sports betting platform in the state.

With the addition of Bet365, there are now 12 mobile and online sportsbooks active in Maryland. This is in addition to 13 retail sportsbook locations and Riverboat on the Potomac, in partnership with Fanatics.

Bet365 is now active in 15 jurisdictions across the US.

The study, which was compiled by Social Finance and Sherbert Research, was released by GambleAware on Tuesday. Research was recorded from two surveys.

One recorded data from 634 youngsters across a number of schools based in the South West, South East and West Midlands. The second survey recorded results from 2,100 11-17 year olds. GambleAware said this report “was nationally representative of this demographic across GB”.

A quarter of the children included in the second survey said they had been tempted to spend money on gambling after viewing such advertising, while 36% of boys aged between 16 and 17 recalled they had already gambled after observing a celebrity either promoting or taking part in gambling.

Over half of the second survey’s respondents said they felt they had no control over the amount of gambling content they viewed online, while 78% of children agreed “nobody under the age of 18 should be exposed to content and advertising about gambling”.

Meanwhile the initial research found 87% of children and young people surveyed had been exposed to gambling content online, with 16% viewing gambling advertising from content creators on platforms such as Twitch, TikTok and YouTube.

Majority of children want celebrity gambling ads banned

Around 67% of respondents to the larger survey agreed famous individuals, celebrities and influencers should be banned from promoting gambling.

Some 16% had observed content creators sharing links and sign-up codes for gambling, while 14% reported seeing creators sharing tips on how to gamble.

GambleAware believes the government should look to further restrict gambling advertising and online content in the short term, while wider regulations are put in place.

“Digital technology has transformed how children and young people consume content, with mobile phone ownership widespread and many spending hours daily on social media,” GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond added.

“Social media platforms and influencers now play a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviours and this research shows that some are playing a part in encouraging young people to gamble.”

GambleAware appoints transition CEO to oversee closure

In response to the survey’s findings, GambleAware called upon regulators, the government and the Advertising Standards Authority to take urgent action and “catch up with the digital age”.

“It is unacceptable that children’s environments continue to be flooded with age-restricted content,” Osmond said.

“Consistent exposure to influencer-driven gambling content contributes to the normalisation of gambling among school-aged children and we know that early exposure to gambling at a younger age can lead young people to have a higher risk of experiencing gambling harm later in life.”

Osmond is in her final month as GambleAware CEO, with the charity last week announcing the appointment of Anna Hargrave from 30 September as transition CEO to oversee its closure.

In July, GambleAware confirmed it will wind down operations and transfer its responsibilities to the British government by March 2026. The move comes after the introduction of a new statutory levy earlier this year.

From that point, all services previously overseen by the charity will be taken on by the government and newly appointed commissioners in England, Scotland and Wales, reflecting the UK’s renewed strategy for addressing gambling harm.

The report, published on Monday, found the channelisation rate for the competitive market in Sweden fell to 85% in 2024, 1% lower than the 86% rate reported in 2023.

The study utilised a different methodology from previous years, after Spelinspektionen tasked itself with developing a new method for calculating the channelisation rate.

H2 Gambling Capital’s figures have been disregarded this year, although the company recently adjusted its channelisation estimate for Sweden from 91% to 72%.

Spelinspektionen’s new methodology utilises player surveys and internet traffic analysis, with 5,767 respondents to the study and 2,032 unlicensed websites identified.

Online casino was found to be a particular pain point in terms of the illegal market, with online casino’s channelisation rate estimated to be between 72% and 82%.

In comparison, betting is estimated to have a channelisation rate of between 92% and 96%.

The total proportion of players who played in the licensed competitive market during 2024 is estimated to be 96%.

The player survey found the main reasons for playing on unlicensed offerings is a better opportunity for winning on websites without a Swedish licence.

Reflecting on the update, Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS), said it was important to compare the estimated channelisation rate of 85% to Spelinspektionen’s long-term target of 90%.

Prevalence of illegal online casino a key concern

In Hoffstedt’s view, it’s “unacceptable” that approximately a quarter of online casino is being played on unlicensed offerings.

He believes that more needs to be done by politicians to improve the rate, adding: “It is equally unacceptable that this has been accepted by political decision-makers for half a decade, since the channelisation has also been low in previous assessments, without effective regulatory measures being taken.”

Later this month, investigator Marcus Isgren will present a proposal to alter the scope of Sweden’s Gambling Act.

Isgren is expected to consider measures that will make it tougher for illegal sites to operate in Sweden.

Hoffstedt welcomed these changes, although he also warns overregulation of the legal market must be addressed to ease the restrictions on licensed operators.

“Anyone who understands the gambling market knows that the elephant in the room is that the licensed market is so tightly regulated that it does not appear attractive enough in the eyes of the consumer,” Hoffstedt concludes.

“Without a review of, for example, the total ban on bonuses and other loyalty programmes, next year’s channelisation assessment from the SGA will also be a disappointment.”

By comparison, Netherlands regulator KSA reported in July that the market’s channelisation rate had dropped from 95% to 93%.

However, KSA also admitted there is a chance that some players are gambling large amounts with illegal providers.

Hargrave will take on the role after Zoë Osmond steps down as CEO on 30 September. She will head up day-to-day operations and lead the managed closure of the organisation.

In July, GambleAware announced it will halt all activities and transition its work to the British government by the end of March 2026. This followed the introduction of a new statutory levy earlier this year.

All work historically delivered by the charity will transition to the government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales. This will be in line with the fresh approach to tackling gambling harm in the UK.

GambleAware said Hargrave becoming transition CEO, and indeed Osmond stepping back from her role, reflects a shift within the charity from “strategic oversight to operational delivery”.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank Zoë for her demonstrable and steadfast leadership,” GambleAware Chair of Trustees Andy Boucher said. “I also want to welcome and congratulate Anna on her new role.

“Over the next several months we have some important delivery and legacy ambitions. I am very confident that under Anna’s leadership we will achieve the positive ending for the charity we are all working towards.

“With a renewed focus on handover activity until the end of March 2026 we will continue to ensure there is a smooth transition to the new statutory system to address gambling harm across Great Britain.”

Hargrave set for ‘critical’ role in GambleAware transition

Hargrave will be no stranger to life at GambleAware. She has served as chief commissioning and strategy officer, as well as deputy CEO, since November 2021.

Prior to this, Hargrave held numerous senior roles across the NHS. This included almost four years with NHS South Warwickshire, spending time as chief strategy officer and chief transformation officer.

“The final six months are critical for the smooth transfer and transition to the new system,” Hargrave said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the new commissioners as they get to grips with their new responsibilities within the statutory system and will work with them to ensure their efforts build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward.”

Osmond will exit GambleAware after seven years with the charity. She has worked as CEO since 2021, leading the organisation through several major developments, including the recommissioning of the National Gambling Support.

“It has been a huge privilege to lead and work at GambleAware over the past seven years,” Osmond said. “The sector has undergone significant transformation during this time and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, particularly our commitment to embedding the voices of the lived experience community at the heart of everything we do.

“Few charities can truly say they’ve delivered on their founding mission, but GambleAware and the exceptional team behind it have played a pivotal role in reframing gambling harms as a public health issue and helped to shape the foundations of the new gambling harms prevention and treatment system.

“I’m delighted that Anna will be taking the reins for the next critical period, leading the charity through the completion of its transition to the new system.”

Launched in July 2021, OASIS went live shortly after the country’s legal online gambling market opened. It was introduced under the terms of the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV).

As of the end of July 2025, a total of 336,980 registrations had been reported. As people can self-exclude more than once, the overall number of individuals in the scheme may vary.

Several self-exclusion options are available to players, with users able to block themselves for over 10 years. Of the 341,327 registrations reported through 14 August this year, 22,381 elected for the longest possible blocking period.  

The most popular option among players has been a one-year ban, with 182,057 of users selecting this option. Some 49,168 opted in for the shortest possible ban – under one year. The GlüNeuRStV states self-exclusion can be no shorter than a period of three months.

Short-term self-exclusion popular with players in Germany

Players can only request a ban be lifted after they have served their exclusion period. This means that players self-excluding for 10 years or more would not be able to gamble via legal operators in Germany for over a decade.

However, there is an option for a short-term, temporary ban. Players can block themselves for a 24-hour period, after which the ban would be automatically lifted without the need to request a return to gambling. During the last full month (July 2025), 40,358 players made use of this tool.

Meanwhile, OASIS allows players to self-exclude from gambling or for third-party referral. Some 97% of all registrations were done by players themselves, with the other 3% being through third parties. Anyone referred by a third party must be excluded for a minimum of 12 months.

The number of new registrations remained relatively stable during the 12 months to the end of July 2025. New monthly sign-ups for the period ranged between 7,300 and 9,600. On the other hand, the number of monthly cancellations of exclusion has been on the decline, falling from 7,404 in August 2024 to 2,821 in July 2025.

Publication of self-exclusion data came after regulator Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder released its first breakdown of quarterly data on cross-border sports betting and iGaming stakes.

For Q1, total gambling stakes, excluding lotteries, amounted to €3.51 billion. Of this, €2.18 billion was attributed to sports betting, €1.1 billion to virtual slots and €204 million to internet poker.

As for Q2, total gambling and betting revenue amounted to €3.22 billion, which was an 8.3% drop from Q1. Sports betting wagers topped €1.89 billion, virtual slots €1.12 billion and online poker spend €184 million.

The study was conducted by Iina Savolainen, a senior research fellow; Tomi Roukka, a senior specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare; and Tampere University social psychology professor Atte Oksanen.

The research, titled “The impact of gambling advertising online: a longitudinal study on exposure and harm”, surveyed 1,530 Finnish adults aged 18 to 75 between 2021 and 2024.

Around 75% of respondents had encountered online gambling ads within the previous 18 months, with over 80% of males seeing online gambling marketing.

The study utilised the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure the level of gambling harms faced by respondents.

Those gambling offshore are more frequently exposed to online gambling ads, while they also experience more severe problems from betting.

Encountering online gambling ads was found to “significantly” increase the risk of players becoming subject to debt enforcement, with offshore gamblers again particularly affected.

Additionally, problem gambling was found to be more prevalent among younger people, with individuals scoring five points or higher on the PGSI in either the 18-24 or 25-34 age groups. Only 2% of those aged between 65 and 75 were found to be problem gamblers.

Are new problem gambling prevention measures needed?

With the study finding online bettors in Finland are more exposed to both advertising and subsequent gambling harm, the study calls for more effective policy interventions to be implemented.

The research argues current regulations have only “limited impact” on offshore operators, despite these sites posing more of a problem to gamblers.

According to the study, policy responses should include stricter advertising restrictions, with more resources allocated towards gambling prevention and treatment services.

The study disputes the argument from operators that excessive restrictions on aspects such as advertising make regulated offerings less appealing, subsequently driving players into the black market.

“This line of argument is largely driven by commercial self-interest, and easing domestic advertising restrictions would unlikely achieve the protective outcomes the industry claims,” the study reads.

Finland to transition to licensing model

Finland’s gambling sector is currently preparing to transition to a liberalised market by 2027, with Veikkaus’ monopoly set to come to an end.

Previously, the state-owned Veikkaus held the exclusive rights to offer gambling, although it has struggled to compete with unlicensed peers that aren’t subject to the same restrictions.

The study warns the entrance of private competitors to the market will increase the visibility of gambling marketing.

This, the study argues, will require licensing proposals to be reevaluated to ensure they contain “clear restrictions” on advertising and high-risk gambling products.

“The Finnish Gambling Policy Programme states the prevention and reduction of gambling-related harm as its central goals,” the research states.

“However, our findings suggest that the planned transition to a licensing model contradicts these objectives if not carefully designed and accompanied by evidence-based harm reduction safeguards.”

PL 3,754/2025 seeks to amend several articles in Law 14,790/2023, Brazil’s fixed-odds betting law, implementing a ban on gambling advertising outside the hours of 10pm-6am through radio, television and internet video-sharing platforms.

The bill includes a ban on gambling sponsorships and brand displays at public sporting, cultural, artistic and festival events made accessible to the public.

Additionally, there would be an explicit ban on gambling marketing in schools and universities, with advertising targeted at those aged under 21 also prohibited.

Costa’s bill also proposes a maximum monthly betting limit per player, capped at the equivalent of the minimum wage for one month or BRL1,518 ($276). This would be in place across all licensed operators.

“This project is not just a piece of legislation; it’s a wake-up call against a true social epidemic, which affects, above all, our young people, the most vulnerable, those who should be focused on studying, working and building their dreams, and not trapped in screens that promise easy fortune, but deliver ruin, debt and despair,” Costa told the Senate on Tuesday.

The bill is awaiting despatch. If it is converted into law, the effects of PL 3,754/2025 would come into force 90 days after publication.

Licensed Brazil gambling sector feeling the heat

Costa’s bill is the latest example of the growing pressure on the licensed gambling sector, which only became regulated on 1 January this year.

The tax rate on legal operators’ GGR has been provisionally increased from 12% to 18%, with a Congress vote expected by 9 October on whether to make the rise permanent.

Additional advertising restrictions, which include a watershed similar to the one proposed in PL 3,754/2025, are also undergoing review after being approved by the Senate.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s finance minister Fernando Haddad recently said he would vote to approve a ban on gambling if such a bill were to appear in the Chamber of Deputies.

Costa echoed Haddad’s sentiments in Tuesday’s speech, claiming betting “does nothing good for Brazil”, instead fostering addiction, debt and suicide.

“Not a single cent of the meagre tax these companies collect compensates for the enormous social harm they cause,” Costa said.

“Betting has become one of the biggest tools of emotional and financial manipulation of our time.”

With the licensed gambling sector feeling the squeeze, the industry is concerned that overregulation could lead to adverse consequences, boosting the black market by harming the viability of regulated operations.

Fernando Vieira, executive director of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, previously told iGB: “The only way operators will be sustainable in Brazil is to increase the channelisation level and, for that, the fight against the illicit market becomes even more important.”

In his new guise as president of Safer Gambling Strategies, Whyte joins Brandt Iden and Brendan Bussmann to discuss the potential for global harmonisation of responsible gambling standards to tech’s role in minimising gambling harms. 

The World Series of Politics is on Apple Podcasts

There’s also discussion of the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE), produced by the National Council on Problem Gambling, an authority Whyte led for 27 years. That actually shows problem gambling rates dipping to pre-pandemic levels. 

There’s also some myth busting about the illegal market, debate on state versus federal approaches to responsible gaming, and a call for transparency, all in the latest World Series of Politics!

In a letter dated 4 August, the GCG said this was part of a calculated move to protect Ghana’s rapidly evolving gaming industry, particularly from violations like money laundering, underage gambling and any other fraudulent activities. 

“This policy will support responsible gaming practices,” acting Gaming Commissioner Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo said in the letter.

“By linking participation to verified biometric identities, operators will be able to track player behaviour, enforce betting limits and implement exclusion frameworks for vulnerable or self-excluded individuals.” 

Under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2111, Ghana’s national ID card is now the only form of accepted identity for gaming online. Every licensed operator must integrate their systems directly with the National Identification Agency’s database. Alternative IDs are not accepted. 

Operators will be expected to authenticate customers through fingerprint or facial recognition. This authentication is required before any form of wager is made and once again before winnings are withdrawn. Operators have been given 30 days to fully implement the new requirements.  

Ghana GCG gives 30-day implementation order 

All licensed firms (betting shops, casinos, online platforms) have been asked to submit their integration plans to the NIA within 14 days. Full deployment of the biometrics process is required 30 days from the date of the original letter.  

Those who do not comply with the new directives run the risk of suspension or their licence not being renewed.  

In the letter to operators, the commission was clear and firm in its move. It acknowledged that while implementation could slow betting operations for a while, the move will help establish that a fair and accountable gaming industry in Ghana is non-negotiable. 

“Compliance with this directive is being actively monitored and will form part of each operator’s operational audit,” the letter added. 

“We trust that all operators will comply fully with this directive and contribute meaningfully to raising industry standards in line with international best practices and national development imperatives.” 

Nigeria’s iGaming stakeholders convened at the Regent Luxury Suites, Ikeja Lagos to discuss and roll out the initiative, which further cements LSLGA’s commitment to protecting vulnerable players and ensuring the industry remains transparent in its activities.

During the launch, the authority discussed Safeplay’s operational framework, compliance requirements, the long-term aims of the initiative and its sustainability with media, stakeholders and public interest groups.

One key component of the initiative is offering users access to professional third-party support services during self-exclusion periods or times of vulnerability. That ensures these individuals receive guidance and help when they need it, promoting their well-being and safety.

Nigeria’s SafePlay tool puts ‘well-being at the heart of regulation’

Speaking to iGB on the launch, former National Lottery Regulatory Commission Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Fasan Oluyemisi stressed the need for such a tool to be put in place in Nigeria. The campaign to combat problem gambling continues in not only Lagos, but the country in general.

“I must say, I am genuinely delighted to see this commendable initiative by LSLGA. As a regulator, this reflects a deep commitment to player protection and responsible gaming,” Oluyemisi said.

“It goes beyond revenue generation. It is placing people and their well-being at the heart of regulation. I believe this will serve as a positive example for other industry stakeholders to follow.”

Notably, she said the tool, which is available across many markets globally, empowers individuals to take control of their gambling behaviour and minimise the risk of addiction.

“This kind of proactive, preventive measure is exactly what we need in today’s fast-evolving gaming environment. It acknowledges that while gambling can be a form of entertainment, it also carries risks that must be responsibly managed.

“Many people battling gambling addiction often suffer quietly, as the signs are not always visible, unlike substance abuse. That is why raising awareness and providing access to tools like SafePlay is so important, It offers individuals the opportunity to make informed, healthy decisions, without fear, shame or blame.”

LSLGA upholding consumer welfare rather than revenue

The SafePlay initiative shows the regulator is not only focused on revenue generation, Oluyemisi said.

“It demonstrates care, foresight and leadership. I truly commend the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority for this thoughtful and timely step. Let us all keep raising awareness and driving this important conversation forward until responsible gaming becomes the standard across our industry.”

Lagos has emerged as a very active hub for operators, driven by the country’s growing online gambling market.

Privately operated player protection tools are also available in the market, including BetBlocker, a top-rated app which helps players restrict their activity across a number of operators. It also offers parental control tools to ensure access to gambling sites is restricted for those under the legal age.

It also enables operators to provide access to responsible gambling tools to prevent players from becoming addicted.

In July, Nigeria’s Central Gaming Bill 2025 was opposed by the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria after it was called “nothing more than a repackaged version of the now-nullified National Lottery Act 2005”.

The National Lottery Act 2005, which established a national gambling regulator, was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2024 in favour of a state-by-state regulatory framework.

Speaking to iGB this week, Hurst insists the public and national media’s perception of gambling is one of her “biggest bugbears”. She believes it is providing a voice to anti-gambling lobbyists, who will never change their minds.

“I do think that there is still a slight misconception about the industry among the broader public, which is something that the BGC is working really hard to alter,” Hurst says.

In her view, one of the BGC’s key objectives is to to inform the general public of the real state of the gambling sector, using evidence to counter the negative media discourse.

“There’s a number of ways we can do,” Hurst adds.

“Having the evidence base to counter some of the myths, misconceptions and quite frankly lies that you read in the media sometimes is really important and an important role for the BGC to play.

“But also, listening to the customers and asking their views about what it is they think about whatever myth is being peddled at that particular moment in time. So I think there is a huge role for the BGC to play, and we’re working really hard at that.”

Sector should be doing more to improve its reputation, says Hurst

But she believes the sector should be doing more to alter the public’s negative perception of gambling in the UK.

She highlights huge advancements in player protection and responsible gambling, particularly following the Gambling Act review and subsequent white paper.

“We have made significant progress, but there’s more we can do,” Hurst says. “It’s frustrating because I know how proactive and responsible the industry is.

“But as we all know, kind of good news doesn’t really sell most of the time. And so it’s trying to weave that good news story into our day-to-day comms, which is really important, which we’ve been doing and will continue to do to highlight the positive elements that the industry is doing and has done already.”

How will mandatory levy funding be spent?

Hurst believes the BGC has become a unified voice for the licensed UK gambling sector, a role the body will continue to serve by communicating with external stakeholders such as the government and the Gambling Commission.

Hurst expresses concerns over the new mandatory levy, introduced this year after being recommended in the 2023 white paper.

Specifically, she holds reservations over whether funding could be used to support anti-gambling research and education, which would be harmful for those facing gambling harms, she says.

“I think continuing to lead the way in education and awareness, where we can outside of the mandatory levy, will be really important, but a lot of it now is being taken out of our hands with the new system, so just need to be conscious and careful that that’s being delivered.”

Tax harmonisation proposals another concern

Another area of concern for Hurst, the BGC and the wider UK industry is the government’s recent announcement of plans to restructure the current online gambling tax system.

Currently, the UK has three separate tax rates for online betting. Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) taxes operators at 21% of profits, General Betting Duty (GBD) at 15% of profit and Pool Betting Duty (PBD) at 15% of net stake receipts.

The government’s new proposal will consolidate the three rates into one. Stakeholders are concerned the rate will be increased to 21% across all verticals.

A recent YouGov survey suggested nearly two-thirds of bettors surveyed would turn to unlicensed operators if the gambling tax is increased.

Hurst echoes those concerns. She says fighting those proposals will be the BGC’s biggest challenge over the next few months.

“We have been very vocal about saying [the single tax rate] would be hugely self-defeating, as it wouldn’t achieve the government’s aims of trying to raise more money, which I think is the bottom line,” Hurst continues. “It will be hugely detrimental for the customer offer, and also growing the black market.

“And [the tax change would] hugely reduce the amount of support for really important British sports, namely horse racing, but others, like rugby league, darts and snooker.”

Hurst took over as BGC CEO in September last year, joining the organisation after six and a half years as Entain’s group director of corporate affairs.

During her first year leading the BGC, the sector has faced significant change and uncertainty on the implementation of white paper reforms largely happening all at once.

The UK industry has been further hampered by media scrutiny, particularly on topics such as advertising and tax.

Raketech appoints new chair

Raketech has appointed Kathryn Moore Baker (main image) as chair of the board of directors following an extraordinary general meeting.

Shareholders formally approved all proposals from the board of directors and the nomination committee.

Moore Baker replaces Ulrik Bengtsson as chair, while Magnus Alebo becomes a new member of the board. Moore Baker is formerly the chair of Catena Media and was a board member at GiG between 2021 and 2023.

Shareholders also approved the proposal to introduce provisions for squeeze-out rights. The board has also been authorised to repurchase up to 25% of the group’s own shares before the 2026 annual general meeting.

Georgia hits gambling exclusion milestone

Georgia’s national database of those excluded from gambling has surpassed 30,000 individuals for the first time.

Figures released by the nation’s Revenue Service show that 30,451 people are listed in the registry, up nearly 4,000 since early May. Of these, 59 were added by court order while the vast majority (30,392) voluntarily restricted themselves from gambling.

According to Georgia Today, people listed in the database are banned from participating in all forms of gambling, including online platforms and physical establishments. Under Georgian law, registration is valid for five years.

New commissioner in Alderney

Alderney’s Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) has selected Guernsey’s financial crime lead, Richard Walker, to replace departing stalwart Jeremy Thompson among its four strong lineup of superintendents.

Walker led the Guernsey government’s interagency response to last year’s Moneyval mutual evaluation of the Bailiwick where the AGCC was one of the two AML/CFT supervisors assessed. He is the first new commissioner to be appointed in 15 years.

The chairman of the commissioners, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, said: “This is a landmark appointment for the AGCC.

“We looked across a broad field of possible candidates from many sectors. But it was clear after our conversations with Richard Walker that he has unmatched knowledge in areas that are vital to the continuing success of the AGCC.”

Annexio surrenders IOM B2C licence

Annexio Limited is to cease taking bets under its Isle of Man gaming licence as part of a strategic realignment of its regulatory structure.

The Isle of Man-headquartered group cited the cumulative cost and complexity of maintaining multiple licences globally as the main reason for its decision.

Annexio continues to hold active B2C licences under the UK Gambling Commission, the Jersey Gambling Commission and in Australia’s Northern Territory. It said these jurisdictions will remain its primary regulatory bases going forward.

Annexio’s brands include LottoGo and the Affiliate Empire lottery affiliate programme.

Kenya’s Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No 70 of 2023) set the market’s minimum gambling age at 18, but under new proposed rules individuals under the age of 21 would no longer be legally permitted to make a parimutuel wager.

Also discussed in parliament was a minimum betting amount of Ksh50 ($0.39) to dissuade youths from excessive gambling activities.

“We discourage young people from engaging in [betting], because getting Ksh50 is a bit [difficult],” member for Dagoretti North constituency Beatrice Elachi said during the parliamentary proceedings.

“It is like these people are so powerful that they can convince the government to pass a bill that can be shaped into what they want. What we are doing to our young people is wrong,” Elachi noted.

This latest move comes following the ongoing proposal from the National Assembly to deliberate on provisions of the Gambling Control Bill.

Should the latest bill sail through and get the assent of the president, operators that fail to adhere to the new gambling age restriction will face severe sanctions.

Locals react to Kenya gambling age limit change

Some Kenyans are unhappy about the incoming restrictions, believing 18-year-olds should be allowed to gamble as they are adults.

“Adults should be able to have free will when it comes to gambling. If the government believes 18-year-olds are mature enough to go to war, then they are surely mature enough to spend their money on sports if they so wish,” a trader at Gikomba market Machakos Nairobi told iGB.

Another bettor said: “If 18-year-olds can vote and serve in the military, they should also be allowed to wager, as it’s a matter of personal freedom and consistency with other adult responsibilities. Why can’t they focus on fixing the nation first?”

These are just a few of the reactions that have raised questions about the move’s feasibility.

Although the timeline for the bill’s progression is uncertain, the House of Assembly remains committed to its proposal.

Latest list of operators released by BCLB

Elsewhere, Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on 29 July released an official list of all iGaming operators that have been approved for licensing in the market for the 2025-26 financial year.

Several prominent brands, including Betika, Odibets, Betpawa, Flamingobets, Kwikbet, My Lotto/Tatuatatu, made the cut. A total of 99 firms were listed.

Part of the regulator’s campaign is ensuring the country’s gaming landscape continues to conform to the responsible gambling regulations being put in place.

“Further to our letter REF: BCLB 15/1/VOL.1 (65) dated 30 June 2025, this is to confirm that the attached list of Gaming Companies have been approved for licensing and therefore have been approved to continue with their operations after the expiry of the 30 days extension,” said the report signed by the board’s chairperson, Dr Jane Makau.

The full list can be found here.

Kenya’s BCLB is preparing a major shakeup of current regulations, including increasing licensing fees for operators. This follows a recent gambling ad ban in the country.

In May 2024, Paquetá was charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1, with the FA alleging he purposely collected four bookings on Premier League matches while playing for West Ham between November 2022 and August 2023.

Rule E5.1 states: “A participant shall not, directly or indirectly, seek to influence for an improper purpose the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with, a football match or competition.”

Paquetá, who has played 55 times for his national side Brazil, has consistently denied purposely gaining bookings to affect the betting market.

The FA has now said it’s not been able to prove the match-fixing charges against Paquetá, who was reportedly facing a lifetime ban if found guilty.

The association now awaits written reasons from the regulatory commission on its decision.

Paquetá thanks his team and his family for their support

In an Instagram post, Paquetá thanked his family and legal team, as well as West Ham, for their support during the investigation.

“I can’t say anything more now, but I also can’t express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face,” Paquetá said.

Although he avoided punishment for match-fixing, the FA did find Paquetá guilty of two breaches of FA Rule F3, for failing to comply with the obligation to answer questions and provide information for the investigation.

The regulatory commission will decide on the appropriate sanction for those charges at “the earliest opportunity”, it said.

What next for Paquetá?

West Ham is reportedly furious with the impact this investigation has had on both the team and Paquetá.

In a statement following the FA’s announcement, West Ham vice-chair Karen Brady welcomed the decision and praised Paquetá for his conduct during the process.

“Despite the incredible pressure on him, Lucas has performed week in and week out for the club, always giving everything,” Brady said.

“It has been a difficult time for Lucas and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional throughout and he is now looking forward to drawing a line under this episode, as is everyone at West Ham United.”

Just hours before the announcement, Paquetá scored in West Ham’s 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over fellow Premier League side Everton.

PTSB launches in-app gambling blocker

Irish retail bank PTSB has announced the introduction of a voluntary gambling blocking facility for its mobile app.

The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions classified as gambling through their PTSB app. The block will cover sports betting websites, online casinos, poker sites and lottery websites.

Should users choose to remove the block, a 48-hour impulse delay period will apply before gambling transactions can resume.

PTSB joins Bank of Ireland, AIB, EBS and Revolut in offering their customers a gambling blocking facility.

Stake links up with Team Vitality

Betting and gaming operator Stake has entered a multi-year partnership with global esports club Team Vitality.

Under the deal, Stake becomes the official international partner of Team Vitality’s CS2 team. The operator will receive branding placement on players’ shirts during esports events.

The two organisations will also collaborate on exclusive content and various activations. This includes at the upcoming IEM Cologne event, which runs from 1-3 August.

Stake also has commercial partnerships in place with teams and athletes across professional football, MMA and Formula 1.

SIS reveals new-look competitive gaming leadership team

Sports Information Services (SIS) has announced a new competitive gaming leadership team.

Peter Camden has been named head of competitive gaming product, with Stephen Maguire becoming head of competitive gaming operations. Meanwhile, Aaron St Pierre is now head of sports trading.

Among them, Camden, Maguire and St Pierre have worked for SIS for just under 10 years.

Andy Purkiss, chief operating officer at SIS, said: “Peter, Stephen and Aaron have been critical in driving competitive gaming’s extensive offering to our large network of international operators.”

EveryMatrix hits NA milestone with CasinoEngine

EveryMatrix has launched its CasinoEngine platform technology in North America for the first time with Pinnacle.

Pinnacle will now make use of the platform in Ontario, Canada. This builds on an existing collaboration for the operator’s global casino offering.

BonusEngine, the cross-vertical bonusing tool, will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will offer Pinnacle Ontario various bonus types and the Bonus Guardian AI-powered bonus abuse solution.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, casino at EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.”

Realistic Games grows UK presence with new partners

Realistic Games has expanded its footprint in the UK by entering new partnerships with LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet.

Players of both brands will have access to more than 20 games. These include the Book of Charms, Chicken Or The Egg and Hit the Top titles.

Realistic Games already provides its content to operators including William Hill, Flutter and Entain

Marcela Nadin, account manager at Realistic, said: “With our existing gaming portfolio and upcoming releases, we are confident that we will offer a diverse selection of fun and exciting titles to each brand.”

With this, in addition to the appointment of the three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment, GambleAware will step back from its role.

All work historically delivered by the charity will transition to the government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales.

The statutory levy, announced in November 2024, supports the government’s plans to raise £100 million ($134 million) for gambling-related harm prevention via a percentage of industry stakeholder profits. It was first mooted during the Gambling Act white paper, which was published in April 2023.

Gambling minister Baroness Twycross then announced that it would be in place by 6 April of this year. As for rates, these will range from 0.1% to 1.1% of gross gambling yield. This will depend on the sector, vertical and the type of gambling that businesses offer.

GambleAware supports new levy

GambleAware has been supportive of the levy since it was proposed within the government’s white paper. Andy Boucher, chair of trustees at GambleAware, reiterated support when confirming the organisation would cease operations by 31 March 2026.

“We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years,” he said.

“We are proud of our contribution to its implementation. Alongside this, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activity has had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and our commissioned partners, including the National Gambling Support Network.

“Recognising the change across the system, trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a managed closure.”

Boucher added GambleAware is committed to fulfilling existing commissioning agreements until the new system is in place by April 2026. The organisation has supported players and the wider industry since 2017.

“Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over,” he said. “The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for all.

“Since 2017, GambleAware has championed the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm. We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy.

The charity urged NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to build upon their achievements in preventing gambling addiction and supporting players.

Government pays tribute to GambleAware

Baroness Twycross praised GambleAware for the work it has done over the past eight years.

“GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to commission and deliver effective services for people experiencing gambling-related harm,” she said.

“As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision.

“The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.”

In an explosive interview with ICL Notícias, released on 21 July, Haddad and economist Eduardo Moreira discussed the regulated gambling sector in Brazil, which launched on 1 January this year.

When asked by Moreira how Haddad and the government planned to alleviate concerns over family financial troubles caused by gambling, the finance minister described the situation as a “disaster”.

“Families are suffering. I’ve seen things that are unspeakable, as they say,” Haddad said. “I’ve heard of horrifying cases involving bets, people I know who even lost family members because of it. It’s a real tragedy.

“If a project came up in the Federal Chamber to continue or to stop [betting in Brazil], I’d press the stop button. There’s no amount of tax revenue that justifies this mess we’ve gotten ourselves into. What’s happening is really bad.”

Haddad’s anti-gambling stance raises industry eyebrows

The SPA, which regulates gambling in Brazil, is a department within the ministry of finance. In response to the interview, many industry stakeholders noted the irony of the ministry’s leader appearing to lobby for the shutdown of a sector it regulates.

Haddad is not the only official seeking a shutdown of licensed betting in Brazil. The sector is still awaiting the outcome of a November Supreme Federal Court hearing to clarify whether the betting laws are unconstitutional. This was expected to be due in H1 2025, but has not been addressed in a number of months.

Haddad has already attracted the ire of the licensed Brazil gambling sector, as he is one of the key proponents of the bill to increase the gambling tax rate from 12% to 18% GGR.

That measure is now undergoing a review by the National Congress, with the provisional measure extended to 8 October, by which time a vote will occur to decide whether to make the tax rise permanent.

Haddad comments draw furious reactions from trade bodies

The ANJL expressed its “surprise and dismay” at Haddad’s statements, describing them as defamatory against the betting sector.

“This surprise comes from the fact that the sector, which has been diligent in complying with all the regulations of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), did not expect to be the target of such an attack from the minister,” an ANJL response read this week.

“It also expresses dismay because of the highly detrimental potential for the market, stemming from this assessment by the head of the department under which the sector’s regulations are being developed.”

According to the ANJL, the issues of family debt and predatory advertising mentioned in the interview largely relate to illegal operators, rather than their licensed counterparts.

“It is also crucial to clarify that cases of addiction are rare in the regulated market,” the ANJL continued.

“The core problem of gambling addiction lies in the widespread activity of illegal websites, which adopt no mechanisms to protect bettors and do not collect any taxes for the country.”

The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) echoed the ANJL’s view that Haddad’s comments were misguided, targeting the legal sector when the illegal alternative is the primary issue.

“The minister’s view diverts attention from the real problem: tax evasion in the illegal market, which dominates 51% of the sector and generates annual losses of BRL10 billion for the country,” the IBJR claimed.

“Statements that downplay the importance of the regulated environment create legal uncertainty, discourage investment and, in practice, strengthen the illegal operations that the government should be combating.”

Treating gambling as a public health issue in Brazil

Haddad says the four years between legislation first being approved and full regulation coming in meant Brazil missed out on BRL40 billion ($7.2 billion) in taxes.

The finance minister also said the government was working with the Central Bank to target fintech companies, which he feels are being used as vehicles for gambling-linked organised crime, such as money laundering.

In Haddad’s view, gambling must be treated as a “serious public health issue” and the government should be utilising data from the first six months of the regulated market.

The ANJL somewhat agrees with this comment, though the association also stressed that licensed operators are funding most of the development of responsible gaming programmes in Brazil.

“Regarding Minister Fernando Haddad’s understanding that gambling addiction should be treated as a public health issue, the association agrees and has already expressed this opinion several times,” the ANJL added.

“It is important to emphasise, however, that currently, the tax paid by legal betting houses already allocates a portion of these funds to health.”

On 20 July, the DPRJ announced it had filed a Public Civil Action (ACP) seeking damages of BRL300 million ($53.9 million) from operators, claiming their advertising had omitted essential information about the risks associated with betting.

The Consumer Defence Centre, a specialised department within the DPRJ dedicated to representing consumers, called for measures to be urgently implemented to protect bettors and ensure greater transparency from betting companies.

The ANJL has hit back, however, asserting the claims made in the ACP are unfounded. It warns the action could in fact harm bettors by making it harder to distinguish between licensed and illegal operators.

The ANJL highlighted the creation of a working group, established by the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) in 2023, which aimed to clarify ethical standards for betting advertising in Brazil.

“All necessary measures for responsible and transparent gambling advertising are already adopted by regulated betting houses,” ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge said.

“Therefore, the Public Defender’s Office’s claim in the lawsuit makes no sense, as its arguments only apply to the illegal market. Therefore, the ANJL will act to provide the necessary clarifications in the proceedings.”

The DPRJ’s lawsuit

The defendants in the lawsuit include some of the largest licensed operators in Brazil, including Betano, Bet365 and Esportes da Sorte.

The BRL300 million figure represents 1% of the estimated BRL30 billion in monthly betting transactions in Brazil, according to Central Bank data. The money is set to go towards prevention and treatment of betting addictions.

One of the DPRJ’s requests is a ban on the exclusive use of the phrase “Play responsibly” in betting advertising, with the belief this is insufficient and too vague.

Instead, the DPRJ is calling for companies to be clearer in their warnings of the potential harms associated with gambling.

Public Defender General Paulo Vinícus Cozzolino Abrahão said: “Many people view gambling as a kind of investment, with the idea that there will be a return, which is a completely misguided notion, the result of a lack of financial education and misleading advertising.

“Gambling is a game of chance, not luck. We need to raise this awareness. It’s the same movement that occurred with cigarettes in the 1990s, and today there is a collective awareness that smoking is not beneficial to health. The issue needs to be addressed with the utmost speed and seriousness.”

The ANJL takes exception to claims operators aren’t advertising responsibly, dismissing the lawsuit’s argument that the “responsible gaming” warning is just a “decorative expression” and objecting to the assertion that companies are trying to frame betting as a reliable source of income.

Betting ads a hot topic in Brazil

Betting advertising continues to be a hugely controversial issue in Brazil.

Such is the concern that, in May, the Senate approved a number of new restrictions on betting ads in Brazil.

These include a ban on betting ads during live broadcasts of sporting events, as well as prohibiting use of celebrities such as athletes, artists and influencers.

Additionally, adverts on open and subscription television, social media, streaming and the internet would only be allowed between the hours of 7.30pm and midnight.

Meanwhile, radio ads would only be permitted in the morning between 9am and 11am and in the evening between 5pm and 7.30pm. Print media ads would be banned entirely.

It will now fall upon the Chamber of Deputies to review the bill, although the industry warns further ad restrictions would only serve to empower the black market.

Udo Seckelmann, head of gambling & crypto at local law firm Bichara e Motta Advogados, warned the push for fresh ad restrictions “lacks evidence-based support”.

“The motivations, although well-meaning, must be weighed against real-world outcomes – and the evidence suggests that informed, responsible regulation is more effective than prohibition,” Seckelmann told iGB. 

If it’s emotional, it’s essentially an appeasement to people that want gambling reined in and the vulnerable (and non-) to be protected to the ultimate degree.  

Of course, it could be both emotional and logical, they’re not exclusive paths. But it’s not, or this would be a really short article, and it’s not. 

I’ve spoken in the past about how having too many middle-class voices in the media, on the regulatory side, and within the industry’s critics (and arguably within the industry itself) means there is a disconnect between well-intentioned player protection and real-world player protection.  

People who have never experienced crushing and inescapable poverty have generally not been in a genuinely hopeless situation, so how can they truly understand what a player is going through and why decisions are made? 

UK gambling credit card ban a ‘partial’ success

I had in mind that a credit card ban was the ultimate “middle-class speaking down to working-class gamblers” protection. In Europe, my home market of the UK was the first to bring in a ban back in 2020, and the Ontario-based Greo Evidence Insights has since commissioned an analysis of the ban’s implementation and efficacy. 

That analysis, done by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), asked whether the ban on cards created friction for players gambling with borrowed money (and we will come back to this idea later, certainly). Its findings showed that – as defined here in Greo’s own summation – it was a partial success. A little like grenade-proof underpants, you might say.  

Implementation got a big green tick, but “the increased friction imposed by the credit card ban did not always result in changed patterns of gambling”. That the study’s period coincided with Covid 19 probably didn’t help the figures much, either, but they worked with a perfectly solid sample size and made every effort to provide a meaningful report.  

Perhaps most interesting though, combined with the previous quote, is this: “Overall, the ban was perceived to be a positive change by people who gamble; friends and family affected by gambling; and gambling treatment/support providers.” 

Perception of credit card bans

A credit card ban certainly appeals when it comes to perception and profile then. And other European countries have followed suit: the Netherlands has been trying to push a ban through (and given how regulation there has been, I would expect this to happen), Ireland has done much the same, and several other countries are looking at links between credit card betting and problem gambling behaviours.  

Sweden, which is no stranger to over-regulation and driving players offshore, proposed expanding its current credit card betting ban in June this year.  

Swedish finance minister Niklas Wykman said bluntly that players “simply should not bet with borrowed money”. Right, because a credit card is the only way that this can happen. 

If you remove credit cards from the picture, you remove a relatively easy way to monitor source of funds, and players then potentially move to more cloak-and-dagger methods of moving funds into their gambling wallets.  

So in terms of player protection, a credit card ban might be shooting the player in the foot – then reloading the gun and handing it back to them to see if they fancy shooting the other foot, too. 

As industry expert Sarah Ramanauskas notes: “[NatCen] found something really interesting: for people who weren’t struggling with gambling, the ban was fine. They just stopped using credit cards, no issue. 

“But for those experiencing moderate or high-risk gambling problems, the behaviour didn’t really change. They still borrowed money and still found ways to fund gambling through credit, just via different methods. So something meant to protect people wasn’t really protecting those most at risk. In fact, it might have made things worse, pushing people towards payday loans or unregulated borrowing instead of monitored Visa or Mastercard transactions.” 

Other forms of borrowing for gambling 

Alternative borrowing paths can be problematic – and outside any mechanisms that exist currently to try and monitor player behaviours.  

“Ultimately, people who are desperate to win back the money they’ve lost will do anything to try. That’s what takes up all their mental energy and, if you ban credit cards, people will simply turn to other forms of borrowing that regulators can’t see,” Ramanauskas adds. 

“At least with credit cards, FCA processes exist to monitor and protect vulnerable consumers. Payday lenders don’t operate with the same oversight and they don’t care about exploiting vulnerable customers.” 

And banks and traditional lenders – thanks, it seems, largely to GamCare’s work – are becoming more active in looking at what we’re doing with our money, it seems. 

Graeme Cumming, vulnerable customers strategy manager at Santander, says: “At Santander, we believe that the bank, although not responsible, does have a part to play in gambling harm prevention. We have built a suite of interventions, including letters and text messages, to provide timely signposting to support for customers at risk of financial detriment due to their gambling.” 

How responsible are UK credit cards users? 

According to the UK Finance January 2025 report, the UK has 53 million credit card accounts – that’s more than one per adult – and, of those, 36.5 million had an outstanding balance after month’s end. Which means that 17 million card accounts didn’t have any balance rolling over, they were cleared in full at the end of the month. That’s pretty decent in a cost-of-living apocalypse.

Miraculous, even. And it suggests an awful lot of people use credit responsibly – so why are credit cards used for gambling?

Andrew Tottenham, managing director for consultancy Tottenham & Co, suggests it might be a lot to do with convenience, certainly initially, but notes that as a payments device it is uniquely pretty poor for gambling purposes. He tells me: “[Credit cards were] never designed as a two-way transactional medium. 

“It doesn’t necessarily do what it’s intended to do. That’s my thinking. Is it a good idea that people gamble with money they don’t have? No, it’s not a good idea. Of course it’s not. Does stopping credit cards stop people from gambling with money they don’t have? No.

“Does it stop people with a problem with gambling? Gambling with money they don’t have doesn’t stop them. No, absolutely not.” 

Not a two-way street 

So it’s inefficient – because of that two-way street thing, credit cards don’t work like debit cards. In many, many markets, a transaction has to be refunded to its originating source. You pay cash, you get cash refunded; pay with a card, a refund has to be made to that card.

But a gambling transaction isn’t a refund, and it has no good earthly reason to be put back on the card, so it becomes a pain for player and operator. And anything that’s not simple is often expensive.

This, however, is changing, as Jonathan Michaels, principal of Michaels Strategies, explained to us. “It’s shifting. Originally in the US, you had to withdraw using the same payment method to prevent fraud and money laundering. Now, operators try to find practical ways to handle this. Players who deposit using a credit card can often withdraw using another method if needed,” he says.

Credit card acceptance rates

Credit cards also have much lower acceptance rates, as Jonathan explains. His expertise generally involves the US, but the same principles can be applied almost globally.

“There are a couple of key issues with credit cards in gambling. First, acceptance rates are much lower than debit cards. Debit card acceptance in the US is about 95%, while credit card acceptance is around 50%-60%, because many banks simply refuse gambling transactions using credit,” Michaels notes.

“In the US, gambling transactions have the Merchant Category Code 7801. When you try to deposit with a credit card, the bank sees it’s a gambling transaction and can approve or decline it. Because gambling is considered high-risk, their risk triggers are more sensitive than for, say, buying gas or groceries. 

“Another issue is cash advance fees. Using a credit card to deposit for gambling typically triggers a cash advance fee, which can be significant – sometimes $20-$30 per transaction. Many consumers aren’t aware of this.” 

This fee brings us to one of the reasons the industry often cheekily (and quietly) doesn’t mind a credit card ban so much: chargebacks. 

Two categories (identifying chargebacks)

If you’re not familiar with chargebacks – and honestly, I wasn’t – Nick Imperillo, GeoComply’s risk services manager, explains the two types perfectly and highlights the fact that some players might be operating from a more… cynical starting point with a chargeback.

“When we think about chargebacks in the gaming space, there are actually playbooks out there – sometimes on the dark web, but honestly, even on places like Reddit – where you can find guides on how to ‘win’ your chargeback if you decide to dispute a charge with an operator,” says Imperillo.

“Chargebacks generally fall into two categories. The first is first-party fraud, where the legitimate cardholder themselves makes a dispute with the merchant – whether it’s gaming, Netflix, Uber Eats, or whatever it might be. Then there’s third-party fraud, where you didn’t actually make the dispute, but someone else used your card details and you end up reaching out to your bank for protection.”

First party fraud is often buyer’s remorse

He adds: “What we hear from our partners – and what we see in our data – is that first-party fraud, which is often just buyer’s remorse, actually accounts for about 75% of chargebacks in the online gaming space. The people initiating these disputes are often verified users who have completed KYC, and due diligence has already been done on their accounts.

“Yet they are the ones initiating these disputes with their banks, which the operators then have to fight. And it’s absolutely a part of everyday operations. Before GeoComply, I used to run a fraud and AML team for one of the major North American sportsbooks, and chargebacks were one of the key metrics we used to determine the health of our risk management programme.

“Even if I didn’t have a chargeback problem, it was still a looming requirement and an important signal for how well I was evaluating risk on individual accounts.” 

Chargebacks aren’t ‘catastrophic’

Chargebacks are sometimes talked about as a significant issue (and I don’t doubt for one moment they’re a pain), but in the US, Michaels suggests that credit card payments make up only about 5%-10% of the transaction volume.

It’s not insignificant, but would losing that really cause pain? “They’re a notable issue but not catastrophic. Generally, chargebacks run at about 0.6%-0.7% of transactions, which is lower than most ecommerce businesses but still material. Chargebacks can occur when consumers see the cash advance fee or don’t recognise a transaction and claim it wasn’t them,” Michaels says.

Michaels also makes a great point – would operators really lose that 5%-10% of business if they couldn’t deposit with a credit card?

“Most gambling operators offer a wide range of deposit options – cards, open banking, PayPal, Venmo and more – to meet players where they are. Would cutting off credit cards materially impact their business? Maybe, but it might not be the worst thing operationally,” he explains.

“Several states in the US – Massachusetts, Iowa, Tennessee, Maine and Connecticut – already restrict credit card deposits for gambling. Operators may eventually block credit cards nationwide just to simplify operations.” 

Are players protected through credit card bans? 

So we come back to player protection when we wonder about the viability and efficacy of a credit card ban.  Sarah Ramanauskas’ point about players then using non-traceable funding sources is highly relevant, as it seems to be the main argument for not banning credit cards.

She elaborates: “[A ban] also depends on what a credit card represents to someone. For some, a credit card isn’t really ‘credit’ because they pay it off each month without stress. For others, particularly those struggling financially, a credit card represents breathing space – an ability to buy necessities or keep going. When you’re living pay cheque to pay cheque, a credit card is very much money you don’t have and will need to pay interest on. 

“If you’re someone struggling financially and gambling, using a credit card feels like a temporary solution. To regulators, this is seen as bad, but for many people, it’s how they manage day-to-day pressures. The problem is, how do you tell the difference? How do you know, when looking at a gambler’s account, if they’re financially secure or if they’re hiding from the window cleaner because they can’t afford to pay him? That’s where well-designed affordability checks should come in.” 

Credit card use doesn’t always mean gambling problem

And Michaels reminded us of a study done when he worked for Sightline. “When I was at Sightline, we did a study in Nevada on payments as a tool to identify problematic gambling behaviour. About 95% of players showed no issues, while 1% were high-activity VIPs, and another 1% made many small deposits with high failure rates, indicating potential risk,” he notes.

“Payments data, including credit card usage, can be a useful tool to identify risky behaviour, but using a credit card does not automatically mean someone has a gambling problem.” You can read more about this study here, but ignore the hilariously hyperbolic headline.  

The last word (almost) 

The last word in this article – apart from mine – has to go to Charles Cohen, of the Department of Trust. I asked his thoughts on credit card bans and he said to look at some data. So we did. 

Now, you remember I said we would come back to people gambling on credit and credit being in many forms? Overdrafts are also – without question – a form of credit. We looked at a set of data gathered from 340 UK-licensed gambling sites covering sports betting, casino, bingo and poker.

It detailed over 74,000 deposits (not players, individual deposits), covering perhaps 10,000 players – however, don’t get that figure stuck in your head as the data covers six months, so players almost certainly deposited more than once. Some banks were also stripped out as they don’t give balance data and it’s all from the second half of 2024. 

So what did we learn? 96.4% of all gambling deposits were made from bank accounts that were in credit at the time of the transaction.

That’s a huge figure — surprisingly so given the ubiquity of overdraft agreements. Also, interestingly, the average deposit from a credit balance was £21.

The other 3.58% were minimally overdrawn, as Cohen explains: “Most were overdrawn by less than £100, and only 0.55% were overdrawn by more than £1,000. Interestingly, 1.3% were overdrawn between £100-£500, which is where most overdrafts typically sit.”  

Credit card bans don’t stop credit use for gambling

But… wait for it… “Here’s the key: the average deposit size is lower for people in overdraft than for those depositing from a credit balance. 

“The data here shows a simple truth: credit card bans do not stop people from using credit to gamble. 

“The world has moved on since credit card bans were introduced. Now you have non-traditional credit sources like Klarna, payday loans and soft credit, often unsecured and unregulated, that can be used for gambling just like a credit card. 

“Ironically, people may be in a stronger position if they gamble on a credit card because they can claw it back through a chargeback.” 

The (actual) last word – credit card versus overdraft

He sums it up succinctly: “The main beneficiaries of a credit card ban aren’t vulnerable customers, but gambling companies, as they no longer have to deal with costly chargebacks.” 

Sure, it can be argued a credit card and an overdraft are different things – but the point for bans already in place, and those looming, is to create friction for players and for this friction to make it unappealing to play with money they don’t have.  

Credit cards are just one of those potential avenues, one that you could argue is really only a cul-de-sac, and only that because of the convenience of availability with adults worldwide. If you want to stop people playing with money they don’t have, you’re going to have to look much further and wider to do that – but also remember that you’re removing an easily traceable, monitored and regulated form of payment.

Nonsense over common sense

As Sarah Ramanauskas says, the ban partly makes an operator’s life a little harder too, and hamstrings us from some player behaviour data: “Now, with the ban in place, operators have to trace the source of funds going into a player’s debit card. It complicates the process of understanding where the money is coming from, making it harder to monitor harmful behaviours.” 

The next time a credit card ban is mooted in a market, the industry might quietly cheer because it’s a headache removed, there is little to no evidence of players disappearing after a ban (other than to offshore casinos that take credit cards, but that’s another story) and, yay, no more chargebacks. 

To answer our initial question though: common sense or nonsense? I’m leaning strongly towards nonsense. It’s mostly performative, stops player data gathering that could be really useful and absolutely does not stop people gambling with money they don’t have.

It’s a thumbs down from me, Jeff. 

In October 2020, a new code of conduct came into force following a consultation process between the Gambling Commission and the Betting and Gaming Council, requiring operators to subject players to rigorous checks before signing up new VIPs, including having their betting behaviour being closely monitored.

Operators were also banned from incentivising customers based on losses, and reward programmes must be overseen by senior management. The code restricts any player under the age of 25 from taking part.

A vast difference

A report published by the GC on Thursday, based on a data request exercise, showed a total of 42,349 HVCs across 22 participating operators, prior to the change in policy. This dropped to 1,616 HVCs between April 2023 to March 2024 across 18 operators.

This signals a 95% drop in HVCs and VIPs per operator from 1,924.95 players to 89.77 players.

The GC noted there has been no significant change in the proportion of responding operators with VIP schemes in 2024. This was at 60% compared to 55% in 2021. In 2020 this figure was at 67%, prior to the regulatory changes that year.

There has also been a recent downward trend in gross gambling yield (GGY) from HVCs, although operators participating in the report did not provide information showing how the current data compared to GGY before the code came in.

GGY from VIPs down 51% in 2023-24

Eight operators provided GGY information for the last three reported years. The 2023-24 total was £10.88 million ($14.58 million), down 51% from the £22.19 million generated in 2022-23.

The data showed approximately 3% of overall GGY for the 12 operators was generated by VIP schemes.

The GC’s report read: “We found no clear evidence of widespread consumer concerns arising from HVC or VIP schemes from analysis of Gambling Commission casework, and complaints data as further explained previously.

“Overall, it is likely that the market for VIP or HVC schemes remains ‘depressed’ compared with the pre-policy situation.”

Tougher restrictions for VIP schemes are one of the measures mentioned in the UK government’s Gambling Act review white paper.

The case relates to a 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying tie with Armenian side Alashkert in June 2023. The first leg resulted in a 1-1 draw, but Arsenal Tivat lost 6-1 at home in the second leg.

According to Uefa, Arsenal Tivat violated article 11 of its disciplinary regulations, referring to “general principles of conduct”. Arsenal Tivat was also ruled to have breached article 12, in relation to the integrity of matches and competitions and match-fixing.

Uefa did not go into further detail on the matter. However, it did confirm a lengthy ban for the club, making it ineligible to play in any UEFA team competitions for the next 10 years, until the end of the 2033-34 season.

UEFA, which also imposed a €500,000 ($579,460) fine, requested football’s global governing body Fifa to extend the ban worldwide. All orders were made by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.

Arsenal Tivat players and officials also face sanctions

In addition to penalising the club, UEFA placed sanctions on certain players and officials who were with the team at the time.

Nikola Celebic, who played more than 300 games during his career, was issued a lifetime ban from the sport. Uefa ordered the same punishment for Ranko Krgovic, who worked as an official with Arsenal Tivat.

Cetko Manojlovic, the team’s current captain, has been banned for 10 years, as has Radule Zivkovic, who currently plays as a defender for Mladost DG in Montenegro. A 10-year ban was also issued to goalkeeper Dusan Puletic and club official Milan Vignjevic.

Official Goran Janjusevic was handed a six-month ban from football, along with Greek player Christos Psomiadis.

In all cases, UEFA requested that Fifa make the sanctions enforceable on a worldwide basis.

In June, the Brazil government rocked the licensed gambling sector by publishing a provisional measure (PM 1,303/2025) proposing a gambling tax rate hike of 50%.

When paid alongside other taxes such as corporate income tax and social contributions, the overall tax burden on licensed gambling companies stands at around 50%, with some in the industry warning this will make operations unviable.

From the PM’s publication on 11 June, Congress has up to 120 days to vote on whether to make the tax hike on gambling permanent or not.

The joint committee has scheduled four public hearings, with the first set for 7 August and the last set for later that month, to discuss the measure and consider contrasting views on the measure.

Senator Renan Calheiros will chair the committee, while deputy Carlos Zarattini will serve as the proposal’s rapporteur.

Congress’ leader, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, believes taxing sectors such as gambling could be crucial in reducing social inequalities in Brazil.

“Today, we are one of the 10 economies in the world and, at the same time, one of the 10 most unequal countries,” Rodrigues said. “Something isn’t right about this combination. The government sought, with this provisional measure, to build mechanisms for tax justice.”

The Congress must vote on the provisional measure by 9 October, with the committee’s own vote on the matter expected on 26 August.

What’s included in PM 1,303/2025?

Of the new 18% GGR tax rate, which became effective on a provisional basis immediately after the measure’s publication, one-third will go toward social security and health contributions, while the remaining two-thirds will be distributed across other areas, including sports and education.

The tax was introduced after the government revised a controversial decree that would have increased the rate of financial transactions tax (IOF) from 0.38% to 3.5%.

The IOF was implemented in Brazil as a monetary policy tool to help regulate financial markets. It applies to all foreign transactions, including loans, currency exchange, insurance and investments, representing a significant source of government tax revenue.

To alleviate the backlash of increasing the IOF by so much, the government switched its focus to sectors such as gambling in order to fill the BRL20 billion ($3.6 billion) hole in its budget. There are still plans to increase the IOF but by much less than previously suggested.

The move has sparked a furious reaction from the nation’s licensed gambling industry, with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming warning the tax rise could spike the illegal market’s share to at least 60%.

“The measure is unacceptable and makes it impossible for many companies that trusted and invested in the regulated market to operate, generates legal uncertainty and threatens public revenue,” the IBJR stated in June.

Is gambling in Brazil being taxed enough?

Other sectors, such as fishing, real estate and agribusiness, have also been affected by PM 1,303/2025.

In a speech on Tuesday, Senator Izalci Lucas criticised the measure, saying it unfairly targeted sectors such as agribusiness and constructions funds, while not increasing the tax on gambling to a sufficiently high rate.

While industry leaders argue the rate is unsustainably high, some lawmakers such as Senator Izalci believe gambling is still undertaxed relative to its social costs.

Additionally, Izalci criticised the government’s failure to implement the ban on the use of social welfare proceeds, such as from the Bolsa Família programme, for gambling.

“This government only thinks about taxes and only thinks about raising taxes,” Izalci said. “You take the betting industry, which has destroyed Brazil, reduced supermarket consumption, reduced retail consumption.

“To this day, the government hasn’t had the authority to actually prohibit people receiving Bolsa Família from gambling on the betting industry. This government’s incompetence is incredible.”

Yolo Group confirms senior changes

Yolo Group has announced several changes to its management team, including appointing Lara Falzon as CEO of its B2B brands.

Falzon will oversee brands such as the Hub88 aggregation platform and flagship live casino provider Live88. Her remit will also cover Odds88 and OneTouch.

Meanwhile, Yolo Group has named Stephanie Eddy as chief revenue officer of its B2C arm, Yolo Entertainment. Eddy joins after more than a decade with Betway.

In her new role, Eddy will oversee Yolo Entertainment’s commercial performance across key regions and strategic channels.

Caesars rolls out universal digital wallet in Nevada

Caesars Entertainment has launched a new universal digital wallet on its Caesars Sportsbook app in Nevada.

The operator said this upgrade streamlines the wagering experience for sports bettors who visit Nevada. This will allow customers to manage their funds and Caesars Rewards credits in a single place.

Caesar said the wallet allows access across 19 jurisdictions where Caesars Sportsbook offers mobile sports wagering.

“We’re always looking for ways to make things easier and more seamless for our players,” said Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital. “The launch of our universal wallet in Nevada is a significant step forward and a long-anticipated enhancement that brings greater convenience and connectivity to our mobile app.”

AGCO amends responsible gambling rules

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has announced changes to responsible gambling requirements for licensees.

As of 11 July, AGCO no longer requires registrar approval for responsible gambling training programmes for casino and lottery employees. This applies to its standards for both gaming and lottery.

Training will still be mandatory, regularly updated and based on best practices. Staff must also understand responsible gambling, their role in player protection and how to support those showing signs of gambling harm.

However, AGCO said the changes offer greater flexibility for casino and lottery operators to design and update training.

3 Oaks Gaming pens StarVegas deal

3 Oaks Gaming, an iGaming content distributor, has expanded its presence in Italy by striking a new deal with StarVegas.

Under the agreement, StarVegas will now offer the full range of 3 Oaks Gaming slots to players in the country. This covers titles such as Scarab Boost, Queen of the Sun and Lord Fortune 2.

3 Oaks Gaming is certified and approved in many major markets across Europe. Among its other approved regions are the UK, the Netherlands and Greece.

Yuriy Muratov, chief commercial officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “The StarVegas brand is instantly recognisable in Italy. We’re excited to see our content go live within its online casino lobby.”

Flutter partners with Leeds Trinity University

Flutter Entertainment has agreed to a new training partnership with Leeds Trinity University.

Flutter will support the university with an educational course taking place this September. It will focus on digital skills and aims to attract those over 18 and mature students seeking a new job or a different challenge.

Flutter, which counts Sky Betting & Gaming and Paddy Power among its brands, has one of its largest offices in Leeds.

The free digital skills programme will take place in person from 2-4 September.

Certain claims were made in the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee meeting in April. The session’s first panel, made up of gambling harm researchers, called for more restrictions on casino games and gambling ads.

Miller responded to the research via a letter addressed to Layla Moran, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, shortly after the spring meeting. The letter was made public on 8 July.

Shortly after the April session, the Health and Social Care Committee wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care requesting that the government take further action to curb gambling harms. It also called for a second Gambling Act review.

However, certain industry stakeholders raised concerns over the session and how evidence was presented. Some sector analysts also said the reported numbers were misleading and required further consideration.

Dan Waugh of Regulus Partners said the committee’s letter was “remarkably ill-informed”. He said the committee had spoken with a number of anti-gambling activists and appeared to have accepted everything they said at face value.

No source provided for gambling harm claims

In his letter, Miller referenced three statements made during the meeting by researchers, noting no source was provided for each claim.

During the session, Lucy Hubber, director of Public Health Nottingham, said one third of 11-16-year-olds were taking part in land-based gambling.

Sam Chamberlain, professor of psychiatry, University of Southampton, said up to 20% of young people had a gambling problem in 2020. Finally, he referenced a statement by Heather Wardle, professor of gambling research and policy, University of Glasgow, that skin betting among young adults is as risky as online slots.

In relation to Hubber’s comment, Miller said no source was provided for this information, other than “from local estimates”. For the points raised by Chamberlain and Wardle, he said no source was provided for these statements.

Commission data contradicts session claims

To support his points, Miller referenced the commission’s 2024 Young People and Gambling report.

Published last November, the report suggested 27% of 11-17-year-olds had gambled in the previous 12 months. The most common forms of gambling were arcade games such as penny pushers and claw grab machines. Casual betting with family and friends was also mentioned.

“These statistics would not support an assertion, at a national level at least, that a third of 11-16 years old are using land based gambling,” Miller said.

Miller also flagged how gambling participation among young people was largely under the supervision of parents. Some 8% of those surveyed played National Lottery games online, with 7% doing so through their parents’ accounts with permission.

“The same patterns are apparent when looking at specific types of online gambling,” he said.

“Some 6% of young people had played National Lottery games online using their parents’ or guardians’ account with their permission, compared to 1% without permission.

“Similarly, 6% had played on gambling websites or placed bets online via their parents’ or guardians’ account with permission, compared to 2% without permission.”

Commission already addressing young people and gambling

Miller also highlighted steps already taken to address gambling among young people in line with the recent Gambling Act review.

The commission has introduced new rules for all land-based gambling licensees to carry out age verification test purchasing. The regulator also changed its good practice code to require licensees to have procedures for staff to check the age of any customer who appears to be under 25 years of age, rather than under 21 years of age.

Miller said there is evidence to suggest this approach is working. From April 2023 to March 2024, the headline test purchasing rate for individuals being challenged was 94%.

This is an increase from 93% from April 2022 to March 2023 and from 92% from April 2021 to March 2022.

“The Commission is not complacent and while these figures do show an improvement year on year, it shows there is still work to be done by the Commission, local authorities and individual operators to ensure that young people are protected from gambling,” the commission’s letter said.

Protection remains key

Miller went on to highlight other actions by the Gambling Commission to protect young people and prevent gambling harm. These include shutting down illegal websites operating alongside Roblox, an open source gaming site popular with children.

In this instance, third-party websites had been set up to allow people to bet using the Robux in-game currency.

In addition, he said since April 2024 the commission has issued 1,150 cease-and-desist and disruption notices. On top of this, the regulator continues to work with key search engines such as Google to tackle illegal activity.

Miller ended the letter by setting out the commission’s long-term desire to protect not only young people from gambling harm, but all individuals.

“The Commission takes the issue of illegal gambling incredibly seriously and as part of our wider work on tackling illegal operators, the Commission has been taking increased action,” he said.

“Illegal operators do not provide the level of protection for consumers required in the legal market. They undercut licensed operators and do not contribute to the exchequer or funding for research, education and treatment of gambling harm.”

In June, the ANJL accused ABRAS of misleading the public in a video published on the supermarket association’s social media, titled “History of Bets”.

In the video, ABRAS claims regulated betting is linked to worsening food insecurity in Brazil, stating every Brazilian real spent on betting leads to “one less dish on the table”.

The ANJL hit back with a lawsuit calling on ABRAS to explain where the information included in the video originated. The body said it went beyond “criticism of specific agents, and affected the sector as a whole”.

However, the ANJL lawsuit in Brazil has now been dropped, after a meeting with retail entities last Thursday in São Paulo, where the parties discussed how to foster an understanding of the regulated betting sector in Brazil.

“We demonstrated to ABRAS and the Institute for Retail Development (IDV), which also attended the meeting, that everyone’s focus should be on illegal gambling,” ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge said.

“Operators that are not authorised to operate in Brazil have no concern for the integrity of bets or the protection of bettors.”

Dialogue between ANJL and retail sector to continue

The meeting marked the opening of a dialogue between the betting and retail sectors, with Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) Executive Director Fernando Vieira also present. The IBJR is a second trade body covering the online gambling sector.

According to the ANJL, the goal for future discussions is to jointly advance issues of shared interest, particularly surrounding the financial health of Brazilian consumers, utilising what was learned at last week’s meeting.

“We have taken this understanding and will deepen those discussions in future meetings,” Lemos Jorge added.

Notably, however, the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement on the controversial topic of betting advertising in Brazil.

In May, the Senate approved a number of new ad restrictions, including bans on marketing during live sporting events and the use of celebrities, as well as watersheds.

The retail sector is keen for betting advertising to be restricted, while the gambling industry warns further restrictions will only boost the black market.

In the meeting, IBJR President Vieira highlighted that around 80% of bettors cannot currently distinguish a licensed operator from an illegal one, with advertising offering a solution to this problem.

ANJL and IBJR join forces

Last week, the ANJL officially formalised its cooperation agreement with the IBJR amid the threat of new ad restrictions and an increase in the tax rate.

This move, carried out in coordination with the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, unites the country’s two largest gambling trade associations.

Both organisations are aligned in their primary objective of protecting the sustainability of Brazil’s regulated betting market.

Vieira said: “The consolidation of this partnership is a concrete response to the challenges that threaten the regulated environment in Brazil.”

The proposed measures follow rising concerns about the social costs of online gambling. According to the Straits Times (headline: “Online gambling boom – and doom”), easy access to iGaming has led many Filipino families to “addiction and financial problems”.

Critics including some lawmakers want to abolish the industry outright. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp opposes a ban, but it supports stricter rules around advertising. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who banned offshore gaming operations last July, is considering a sin tax on iGaming.

Establishing ‘standards and expectations’

“End-user” protections sought by the BSP include limiting the use of digital payment platforms for iGaming and capping daily fund transfers by bettors. The proposed new rules also call for stricter due diligence by operators.

To ensure “a safe, efficient and reliable retail payment system… it is imperative to ensure that digital payment services of payment service providers (PSPs) are not misused for activities that are socially harmful and detrimental to financial health”, according to a draft circular released by the BSP monetary board. “These regulations establish standards and expectations for PSPs in the provision of online gambling payment services as well as enhanced know-your-customer (KYC) measures.”

The new rules would require PSPs to secure bank permission to operate. Qualified applicants would have to:

• Demonstrate minimum capitalisation of PHP300 million ($5.29 million).
• Display robust management of anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) risks and fraud prevention.
• Install a board-level committee on AML/CTF compliance.
• Submit reports “on a monthly or on-request basis” detailing total gambling-related transactions and iGaming partners, among other information.
• Limit play to six hours per day and impose a 24-hour cooling period in cases of “heavy usage”.
  

Banning at-risk groups and government personnel

The new rules would forbid PSPs from directing users to online gambling sites and bar certain groups from participating. They include people under 21 and university and college students, plus military and government workers and members of law enforcement. Those receiving welfare payments would also be on the no-play list.

Fintech Alliance Philippines, which counts major players like GCash and Maya among its members, says it will “fully support” the BSP’s efforts to address problem gambling and “the proliferation of illegal gaming sites and platforms”.

“We are united in our commitment to be part of the solution by working closely with regulators, elevating safeguards and protecting the welfare of Filipino consumers,” said founding chair Lito Villanueva in a statement.

Religious leader decries online gambling crisis

According to the Catholic Herald, the church has come out against what it considers an epidemic of online gambling harms, especially among the young and the poor.

Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David says iGaming has put a casino “in the living room, in the bedroom, in a child’s pocket”. In the post-POGO era, online gambling is “now victimising not foreigners, but our own people”.

“It is more lucrative than traditional casinos, promoted by paid celebrities [and] accessible to Filipinos of all age levels, totally unregulated. It is wrecking the lives of poor people who get addicted to it.”

David blasted Pagcor for its defence of the industry. “Nothing could be more absurd than a government agency wringing its hands over illegal offshore gambling sites when it has already legalised inland online gambling – fully, completely, brazenly.”

The Philippines Central Bank invites stakeholder comment through 25 July.

Last week, the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Providers (ABMES) revealed the findings of a study titled “The Impact of Betting on Higher Education”.

One of the headline figures from the study was an estimate that nearly 2.9 million potential entrants to private higher education in H1 2026 are at risk of not enrolling due to financing issues caused by online gambling.

Among those interviewed for the study, 34% of students said they would have needed to halt their gambling in order to begin their studies in the first semester in 2025.

The ANJL has published a clarification note in response to the survey, saying the online betting sector in Brazil “rejects the construction of narratives” that blame the industry for setbacks in the social and economic situation of Brazilians.

Alongside admissions, the ABMES study also claimed 14% of students already enrolled in private institutions had either delayed tuition payments or dropped out of school entirely due to betting expenses.

“There is no direct relationship between gambling two to three times a week and dropping out of or continuing a higher education programme, as the survey and report suggest,” the gambling trade body stated, denouncing the study.

In the note, the ANJL pointed to another question in the study that found 79% of respondents answered “no” when asked whether they had not invested in a university course or any other type of higher education because their income had been compromised by sports betting.

Additionally, the ANJL also claims the report omits information from ABMES’ own study, which said over 70% of respondents recouped the money they had spent on gambling when they played again.

“ANJL also emphasises that gambling is an entertainment industry and, by its nature, competes with other forms of entertainment,” the note read.

What else did the study on students reveal?

According to the survey, 52% of respondents gambled regularly, with total spend varying between social classes.

ABMES defines class A as being those with a monthly household income exceeding BRL27,000 ($4,857), while the income of those in classes D and E would be between BRL1,000 and BRL2,500.

According to the ABMES survey, class A gamblers allocate around BRL1,210 to gambling a month, whereas in classes D and E, the average is BRL421.

“The study shows that online gambling has become an additional obstacle to accessing higher education in Brazil,” said ABMES general director Paulo Chanan.

“We need to take a serious look at this scenario and develop public policies that raise awareness among young people about the responsibilities involved in gambling.”

However, the ANJL believes the issue is being overblown, saying most of those surveyed across all social classes spend less than 5% of their income on gambling.

“Constructing narratives that propagate the misguided behaviour of a minority as if it were widespread only harms the sector and Brazilian society itself,” the ANJL continued.

ANJL and IBJR formalise cooperation agreement

Also last week, the ANJL announced it had formalised its cooperation agreement with the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).

The formalisation with the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, the regulator of betting in Brazil, brings together the two largest gambling trade bodies in Brazil.

It comes at an important time for collaboration across Brazil’s betting industry as new ad restrictions, including watersheds and a rise in gambling tax rate threaten the market.

The two bodies share the key goal of ensuring the viability of the regulated market, which only launched on 1 January this year.

“The consolidation of this partnership is a concrete response to the challenges that threaten the regulated environment in Brazil,” said Fernando Vieira, IBJR president.

“Joining forces with ANJL is a way to strengthen our efforts against illegal operators, promoting greater security for bettors and sustainability for the sector.”

The EGBA is made up of eight operator members (Flutter Entertainment, Entain, Bet365, Betsson Group, Evoke, LeoVegas, Superbet Group and FDJ United) and two associate members (payment provider Aircash and identity verification platform Sumsub).

It is unclear if the tax contributed to Europe by the members has moved up or down year-on-year, as this was the first comprehensive collection of members’ tax contributions, including corporate and gaming taxes.  

In its 2025 sustainability report tracking the online operations of EGBA members in the European Union and the UK, the EGBA said its members also paid €148.9 million in contributions to research, education and treatment services to support gambling harm prevention in Europe.  

The number of active customer accounts across Europe for EGBA members went up 19% for the period, up to 38.6 million.

Rise in safety tool usage

Safety tools were used by 69% of customers (26.7 million in total); half of these did so voluntarily and the total was up 28% from 2023.

The most popular safety tool was deposit limits, accounting for 65% of the safety tools used by customers voluntarily, down from 70% in 2023. The next most popular tool was time limit/reality checks, which made up 11% of the total.

Self-exclusion accounted for 12% of the total, split evenly between self-exclusions that lasted less than six months and those that lasted more than six months. Close to half of the customers who used safety tools voluntarily were 35 years old or younger at 49%.

Members sent 100 million safety messages to European customers last year, up 48% from 2023. A majority of personalised safety messages sent to customers were delivered via on-screen pop-ups at 67%, down slightly from 70%.

A total of 22% of all customers were sent personalised safety messages at 8.5 million, representing a 16% increase from the 7.3 million customers in 2023.

There was a rise in the percentage of members’ employees who received dedicated safer gambling training, from 80% to 89%.

Black market threat

In a joint letter from the CEOs of the EGBA’s members within the report, it was noted there is a continued threat from black market operators across Europe.

The letter mentioned how spending caps in the Netherlands introduced last year led to unregulated sites matching the revenue of the country’s regulated market.

Additionally, the letter referenced that in the UK, an estimated £2.7 billion is staked annually on black market websites, costing the state £335 million ($455.9 million) in lost taxes, according to a Betting and Gaming Council-commissioned study.

The letter reads: “The answer to this growing problem is not deregulation but smarter, more balanced regulation. Regulators should strengthen enforcement against black market operators based outside Europe who undermine the well-developed safety nets established in Europe.”

At a conference organised by the ANJ, the regulator outlined its plans for stricter supervision of gambling sponsorship, as well as the introduction of loss limit tools that could cap what players between the ages of 18 and 25 lose.

These measures are only proposed at this stage, with no set timeline as to when the ANJ would plan to implement the recommendations. The ANJ intends to use the 2026 Fifa World Cup to run a large-scale campaign to promote responsible gambling.

A whistle-to-whistle ban would be similar to a self-regulatory measure introduced by operators in the UK in 2019.

Another move to regulate sponsorship

A call for stricter supervision of gambling sponsorship comes after the ANJ in January ordered France’s four biggest operators to cut their marketing and sponsorship spending at the start of the year.

Within its post-conference report the ANJ said “stricter supervision of sponsorship to combat the trivialisation of gambling” was required.

France’s Ligue 1 football league is not as heavily associated with gambling operators sponsoring teams as other prominent football leagues, with Winamax the only gambling-related front-of-shirt sponsor in the 2024-25 season via its deal with Le Havre.

However, Betclic is the official sportsbook sponsor of the Fédération Française de Rugby.

In 2023, the ANJ released new regulations regarding the use of images of athletes in gambling communications. If regulators deem athletes to be popular with minors, operators cannot then use their image.

Simone Alexe, head of the addiction prevention office at the Directorate General of Health, said during the event that new messaging to warn players of the harms gambling can cause should come into force for the 2026 football World Cup.

She said France’s players-info-service website recorded more than eight million visits in 2024, a 44% increase compared to 2023. One third of these requests came from players’ friends and family members.

Strategic plan for French gambling regulation

The ANJ’s conference report also highlighted the need for additional player protection tools.

It has implemented an annual monitoring programme to identify excessive gamblers. Around ten monitoring operations are planned and could give rise to several referrals to the sanctions committee by the end of the year.

In the report the ANJ said: “Cultural changes are finally necessary, and the 2026 Fifa World Cup offers us a good opportunity to offer a large-scale campaign. More generally, it’s about repositioning gambling as an entertainment economy (and not a game), which collectively involves deconstructing the myth of ‘easy money’.”

It previously outlined plans to reduce excessive gambling, including the strengthening of systems that identify and support excessive gamblers. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of the ANJ, has outlined the regulator’s plans to make gambling in France less reliant on high-risk players and become more sustainable.

The ANJ said it is considering the development of tools that will enable the systematic identification of problem gamblers, and is developing an algorithm for detecting excessive gamblers. The ANJ is aiming to have the system live by 2026.

In its 2024 annual report, the ANJ said it was consulting with the French government on the legalisation of iGaming in the country.

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre announced he was taking the vote on casino bill PL 2,234/2022 off the agenda on Tuesday, in another blow to proponents of land-based betting in Brazil.

Over a year has now passed since the Justice and Citizenship Committee approved PL 2,234/2022, with the senate vote the final step before it would fall upon President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to sign it into law, which isn’t expected to be an obstacle.

Alcolumbre cited the low attendance in the plenary, with only 56 senators present and a number of key opponents of land-based betting absent from the plenary session.

“There is certainly a division in the senate on this issue,” Alcolumbre said. “Given the quorum of 56 senators, the significant divergence on this matter and the requests from senators who would like to be present for the vote, this presidency will withdraw this item ex officio.”

It’s not yet clear when PL 2,234/2022, which would legalise land-based gambling verticals such as casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho and betting on horseracing, will return to the senate’s agenda, with the next parliamentary recess coming up on 17 July.

Brazil’s long wait for land-based casino legalisation continues

Brazil enforced a nationwide ban on gambling in 1946, but the country launched its licensed online betting market on 1 January this year.

But the wait for legal land-based betting rumbles on, as it faces strong opposition from multiple senators who voiced their concerns over its authorisation in Tuesday’s plenary session.

Alcolumbre’s decision to postpone the vote highlights the deep political divide over gambling in Brazil, with its supporters claiming land-based legislation could provide huge economic benefits, while opponents are largely concerned with the social fallout of betting.

Senator Eduardo Girão has perhaps been the most vocal opponent of gambling in Brazil, and on Tuesday he celebrated the withdrawal of PL 2,234/2022, claiming the population was concerned.

Girão would like to see the bill forwarded to three committees to explore the impacts of legalisation and study potential increases in addiction levels and criminal activity relating to gambling.

He views the online sector’s legalisation as an error, saying: “The betting houses have shown that it was a mistake for this house to regulate them.

“Making a mistake once is understandable, but making a mistake twice is not. The senate needs to have a minimum of sensitivity and reject this.”

Senators Humberto Costa, Plínio Valério and Chico Rodrigues also voiced their opposition, citing impacts on the population’s mental health and family debt.

Rodrigues argued any economic benefits are cancelled out by the impact of gambling on other sectors within the economy, such as retail.

“Taxes collected through the legalisation of gambling are no longer collected from other economic activities, since families stop consuming and start spending on gambling,” Rodrigues claimed.

Vote postponed despite national survey

The vote’s postponement comes despite the vast majority of the population seemingly supporting land-based gambling. A recent state-supported survey reported 60% of the Brazilian adult population is in favour of land-based legalisation.

In April, the DataSenado Research Institute found just 34% of the 5,039 Brazilian men and women aged 16 or over surveyed were against the bill’s approval.

With some estimating legalisation could provide around BRL20 billion ($3.5 billion) in annual revenue, 58% of those surveyed by DataSenado agreed a licensed land-based sector would increase tax collection in Brazil.

Additionally, 44% said land-based legalisation would increase the number of jobs in Brazil.

Pressure on the online sector perhaps a contributing factor

The introduction of the online sector has been marred by political criticism and media scrutiny, which some believe could have led to the delays in land-based legalisation.

Just over six months has passed since the legal online market went live and already it appears the industry will be facing new ad restrictions and an increase in operator tax rate to 18%, which would take the total tax burden to around 50%.

Senator Girão claims recent media coverage of online betting-related money laundering is evidence the land-based form shouldn’t also be authorised.

“You can read the headlines of O Globo, Estadão and Folha recently, showing that organised crime has never laundered so much money, never made so much profit from the advent of gambling,” Girão argued. “And what is the problem in Brazil today? Basically, it is public safety.

“The Lula government, which claims to protect the less fortunate and the poorest, can fix this mistake of betting by absolutely not allowing any more gambling to take place.”

Two proposals are on the table.

House Bill 1351

House Bill 1351, the Kontra e-Sugal Act of 2025, was introduced on Monday. It would impose a 10% tax on online gaming revenue and use the proceeds to fund problem gambling resources. It would bar most iGaming ads, ban the use of e-wallets for transactions and restrict credit card payments to low-risk players. The legislation would require iGaming operators to identify and discourage risky gambling behaviour and limit games to adults under 21.

“We need a whole-of-government approach if we want to combat the ill effects of online gambling,” said Representative Chel Diokno of the Philippines Akbayan Party, co-sponsor of the bill. “We cannot gamble away our youth’s future. Our children cannot become collateral in the jackpot dreams of gambling tycoons.”

In a press briefing, presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro said Marcos is “listening to the plight” of Filipinos addicted to online gambling and will review the proposal.

“The president is aware of what could happen to those addicted to gambling,” Castro told reporters. “He will not oppose it as long as there is sufficient study regarding the tax.”

Senate Bill 142

Senate Bill 142, the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, also filed on Monday, would ban all digital gambling platforms. Sponsor Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri called gambling addiction a “silent epidemic” that will continue to spread if unchecked.

“The lives of our fellow Filipinos are being ruined,” said Zubiri. “Crime rates are rising. Filipino workers are sinking into massive debt, which is severely affecting their mental health.”

Those negative repercussions far outweigh the financial benefits, he said. The Philippines iGaming sector generated PHP47 billion ($831 million) in revenue for the first quarter of 2025.

In an interview with the Philippine Inquirer, Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong supported a blanket ban on iGaming. “If you want to take down the evil tree, the bad tree, you don’t just trim the branches, you uproot it,” he said.

Senator JV Ejercito did not call for a ban, but urged immediate and stricter regulation of the sector, saying it poses a greater threat to public welfare than POGOs.

“There’s almost no limitation to access. In just one click, anybody can gamble,” he said in a statement. “In POGOs, usually the victims were foreigners. But in online gambling, our very own fellow Filipinos are hit – workers, parents, even the youth. This is worse because we are the ones gradually deteriorating.”

A fight in the Philippines

Zubiri said he does not expect a swift resolution to the problems associated with iGaming, an industry backed by “very wealthy and powerful” people.

“It’s going to be a tough fight,” he told The Inquirer. “Those lobbying against the ban haven’t started flexing their muscles yet.”

Betfair confirms New Zealand exit

Flutter Entertainment-owned Betfair has announced it will cease operations in New Zealand later this month.

Betfair will continue to accept bets up until 23 July. After that date, players in the country will no longer be able to access Betfair, according to The Straight.

The withdrawal comes ahead of significant change within the New Zealand online gambling market. In July 2024, the government set out plans to regulate iGaming in the country, with changes now imminent.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the upcoming change and poorer user experience,” Betfair said in statement. “Unfortunately, Betfair has to make the upcoming change to comply with the legislative amendment.”

Last month, the government introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill into the House of Representatives. This included plans for 15 licences in the newly regulated market. It is unclear whether Betfair will apply for a licence.

Funding issues forces GamCare to end young people initiative

In the UK, GamCare has confirmed it will halt its young people-focused harm prevention programmes due to funding issues.

GamCare has delivered programmes to over 250,000 children and young people, parents and professionals across the UK since launching the initiative five years ago.

However, from October this year, GamCare said it will cease the programmes, blaming lack of sustainable funding. The charity will continue to run its Youth Advisory Board to ensure young people’s voices still inform its work.

“GamCare remains committed to reducing gambling harm and none of our other services are affected by this change,” it said.

Luckbet welcomes Paulin as new marketing chief

Brazil-facing Luckbet has appointed Vitor Paulin as its new chief marketing growth officer.

Paulin brings with him experience in various industries and a range of management roles. This includes working across branding, digital marketing, data-driven strategies, CRM and user experience optimisation.

He joins the operator from Open Mind Brazil. Paulin has also worked for Grupo Aposta Ganha, Serasa Experian, DDM Company and Excola Conquer.

“Leading Luckbet’s marketing is a unique opportunity to consolidate the brand in a sector undergoing transformation,” Paulin said. “Our goal is to build a brand presence that combines light and fun entertainment with a fluid and personalised user experience, reinforcing our commitment to responsible gaming.”

Evolution enters Rhode Island with Bally’s

In the US, Evolution has secured access to the Rhode Island market through a partnership with Bally’s.

Under the deal, Bally Casino’s iGaming offering in the state will now feature content from Evolution. This includes games from NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming.

Also linked to this deal, Evolution will introduce exclusive Bally’s-branded live dealer blackjack tables in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Bally’s by delivering world-class gaming experiences and extend our reach into Rhode Island, a first for Evolution,” said Jacob Claesson, CEO Evolution North America.

Betano scores Bayern Munich deal

Sports betting provider Betano has entered into a new partnership with German Bundesliga football club Bayern Munich.

The agreement will see Betano becoming an official partner of FC Bayern for a number of years.

Betano is owned and operated by Kaizen Gaming. The brand is active in Germany, as well as Portugal, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Ontario in Canada.

“Germany has always been one of the most important markets for us, the second where Betano ever launched,” Kaizen Chief Commercial Officer Julio Iglesias said. “Now, we are announcing our biggest partnership in the country.”

Backed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, the study focuses on the behaviour of males aged under 40. Results are based on a subject group of 622 players.

The study was run in the weeks before football’s Euro 2024 tournament. Those who took part were presented with various betting options and offers such as free bets and money back. They were then asked which they would be most likely to select in a real-world scenario.

Key findings included that players were likely to spend more if some form of inducement was available. Consumers spent around 11% more when presented with an offer or bonus than bets without, despite being offered the same betting odds.

Free bets drive higher gambling spend

Similar behaviour was not seen when players were faced with a so-called “bad bet”, where odds were worse than other bets. When presented with the same set of odds, players spent on average four times more when this was partnered with an offer.

An average of 27.2% of respondents opted for bad bets with a free bet attached, compared to 7.9% without. A similar split was noted for money back offers, with 19% opting for bonus-backed bets and 4.9% those without.

As to which type of inducement led to the highest increase in spend, the study highlighted free bets. The mean amount spent on bad bets with a free bet was just over €2, compared to less than €1.50 on money-back offers.

Could bonuses create more gambling harm?

The study also raised questions over the impact of bonus offers on those at risk of gambling harm. It based this on respondents’ Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score.

Those placed in the “Problem Gambling” category of PGSI were more likely to bet more on bonus-backed wagers. This was even clearer in the Moderate Evidence category, with inducement bets outscoring no-offer wagers by more than double.

Meanwhile, bonus-backed bets outscored no-offer wagers across all categories with bad bets. Bad bets drew an average of more than €2 in the Problem Gambling category, in contrast to less than 50 cents with standard wagers. Similar patterns were also noted in the Moderate Evidence, Some Evidence and No Evidence categories.

“Our findings add to growing evidence that inducements lead more people to gamble and gamblers to spend more, increasing financial losses for consumers and raising profits for operators,” the study concluded. “We also find that inducements disproportionately affect those with evidence of problem gambling.”

Researchers also urged lawmakers to consider adding more restrictions to inducements in gambling. The study highlighted how Spain caps bonus offers at €100 and that sign-up bonuses are banned in Spain.

“Inducements to gamble are not merely a marketing tool that operates like equivalent inducements in other consumer markets,” the study said. “The argument that inducements simply help consumers differentiate between operators does not apply; they do more than this.”

This week: World Pool bets on Royal Ascot were up 10%, controversy continues to dog South Africa’s lottery licence award and Romania has changed its advertising rules.

World Pool up at Royal Ascot

World Pool bet types for Royal Ascot 2025 were up 10% from 2024, rising to HK$1.57 billion ($200 million) for the five days.

Including a record-high on Wednesday of HK$330.7m, the most bet on the second day of the meeting since the inaugural World Pool meeting at Royal Ascot in 2019, turnover was up year-on-year every day.

Turnover at the 2022 meeting remains the highest at HK$1.61 billion, approximately 2% higher than this year’s level. In 2025, punters from across the globe were able to access commingled pools on the event for the seventh consecutive season.

Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said: “In terms of quality, quantity and competitiveness, the fields were fantastic all week. There was also some good international representation, both in the horses running and the jockeys taking part, so it was a good mix of key factors for both local and overseas punters.”

Tycoon defends SA lottery link

South African tycoon Moses Tembe has dismissed accusations that a consortium he headed was awarded the country’s next National Lottery licence contract due to political influence.

Concerns have been raised about Sizekhaya Holdings’ links to South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Bellamont Gaming, a company owned by Tembe and Mashatile’s wife’s sister, Khumo Bogatsu, has shares in Sizekhaya.

However, Tembe told Times Live that Bellamont has a minimal share of Sizekhaya stock.

Tembe added: “We have indicated previously that Sizekhaya [Holdings] won the right to operate the fourth national lottery licence because of the strength of our bid, the deep knowledge of gaming that we bring to the table, our pledge to propel the lottery to new heights by generating more money for the government, for good causes and for players.”

Romania bans celebs from gambling ads

Romania’s National Audiovisual Council (CNA) has banned celebrities from appearing in gambling promotions.

CNA members unanimously approved the ban during a public session on Thursday.

They amended the Audiovisual Regulatory Code to prohibit celebrity appearances in gambling ads on TV, radio and online platforms.

Romanian outlet PaginaDeMedia published the updated wording of the regulation. The new rule states: “It is prohibited to broadcast gambling ads featuring public, cultural, scientific, or sports personalities.”

Gambling ads previously featured celebrities such as footballers Florin Răducioiu and Ilie Dumitrescu and singers Antonia and Alex Velea.

Kaizen to sponsor CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025

Kaizen Gaming has been named as official sponsor of the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025.

Hosted in Ecuador in July and August, the tournament will bring together South America’s 10 women’s football teams.

The sponsorship of CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025 is part of Betano and CONMEBOL’s broader partnership, which started with the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and extends through 2028.

Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, said: “Having Betano’s support encourages us to continue raising the level of the tournament and to provide more opportunities for our athletes to shine on the field and keep leaving their mark both on and off the pitch.”

F1 and Allwyn launch community award

Formula 1 and lottery operator Allwyn have announced the launch of the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award.

The programme will spotlight community-focused initiatives across the world of Formula 1 to showcase their positive impact on society. As well as global recognition, winning initiatives will each receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn to further transform communities around the world.

Winners must demonstrate a meaningful contribution to society away from the racetrack, which could include advancements in education, culture, well-being or sustainability. For each race, the local promoter will identify Formula 1-linked community initiatives run by teams, partners and media that have had an impact in their country.

Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said: “We will give the local initiatives that go the extra mile for making their communities and make the world a better place the recognition and global platform they deserve.”

ITIA hands provisional suspensions to Dominican players

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has given provisional suspensions to two players from the Dominican Republic over corruption allegations.

Jossting Cruz and Jasel Beltre have been suspended since 30 May this year. They will remain inactive pending the consideration of charges under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme (TACP).

The ITIA said the double suspension is in line with section F.3.b.i.4 of the TACP. This states that there is a “likelihood” the named individual has committed a “major offence”.

Cruz, 19, reached a career-high ITF singles ranking of 2,318 in May 2025, while Beltre, 24, is unranked. Neither player has elected to appeal their provisional suspension.

ICRG welcomes Soll as new president

Elsewhere, the International Centre for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) has appointed Michael Soll as its new president.

Soll will commence his new role on 7 July and replace Arthur Paikowsky, who has led the ICRG since October 2021.

Soll has served on the ICRG board since 2022 and has almost nearly 30 years of gaming industry experience. Most recently, he was president of research and advisory firm The Innovation Group (TIG).

Prior to his time with TIG, he held planning and development roles at Hard Rock International and Caesars Entertainment.

TaDa Gaming lands UK licence

In other news, slots and casino games provider TaDa Gaming has secured a licence from Great Britain’s Gambling Commission.

The approval enables TaDa to work with licensed operators in the British market. This will cover new content such as Fortune Coins, Jackpot Joker and Legacy of Egypt, which will launch at iGB L!VE 2025 in July.

TaDa will also adapt its games for regional audiences. This follows similar, regional releases in other markets including the US and Brazil.

“The UK is a core focus for us,” TaDa Director of Business Development Ray Lee said. “We are excited to connect with new partners ready to benefit from our diverse, glocalised content and powerful engagement solutions.”

SIS pens extension with Greyhound Racing Ireland

Meanwhile, Sports Information Services (SIS) has extended its partnership with Greyhound Racing Ireland.

The three-year deal will see SIS broadcast over 500 races per month from 10 of the country’s leading tracks. Additional venues will also be announced in due course.

The agreement covers major Irish racing events such as the Irish Derby, Kirby Memorial and Winter Racing Festival. In total, operators will be provided with over 24,000 live greyhound races every year.

“Greyhound racing from Ireland has in recent years established itself as a core part of the greyhound coverage for retail and online operators, both in the UK and international markets, and our coverage showcases the very best the nation has to offer,” SIS EMEA Managing Director Paul Witten said.

Bet365 scores Chicago Sky partnership

Finally this week, Bet365 has entered into a partnership with WNBA team the Chicago Sky.

The multi-year deal will see Bet365 become the official sports betting partner of the Chicago Sky.

Bet365 will benefit from a branding presence on behind the basket on the north end of the court, along with the centre pole pad on both home and visiting team baskets. The operator will also receive logo inclusion on in-arena, social media, broadcast and digital promotional marketing products and materials.

Chicago Sky’s Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Alex Teodosi, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Bet365 to align with a growing sports trend that brings new visibility to the WNBA and the Chicago Sky.”

The regulator said anyone that filed an online form with a tip-off on illegal or unsafe gambling in the market had not had it submitted due to an error dating back to March 2024. The glitch was only discovered in June this year.

Most of the tips would have been related to illegal gambling in Norway. However, Lottstift added that some may have been in reference to funding for foundations and voluntary organisations across the country.

The online form is the only way of submitting tips anonymously to the regulator. Consumers can also file tip-offs via email and telephone, but for this they must identify themselves.

In an update on 19 June Lottstift said the error has now been fixed and it managed to retrieve 120 tips from the last two months. However, other tip-offs have been automatically deleted due to privacy concerns.

Regulator regrets ‘serious’ error

Lottstift Director General Atle Hamar apologised for the error. He said it was a “serious” issue that should have been identified much earlier.

“We depend on tips from the public,” Hamar said. “People should have confidence that the tips they send will reach us.

“Several hundred tips may be missing for us, but we do not have exact numbers. We will thoroughly review this and make the necessary changes to prevent something similar from happening again.

“People should have confidence that the tips they send will be received and that we will take them seriously. Getting tips is important to us. Several of our inspections start with tips from the public.

Spelinspektionen lodged its appeal with the Court of Appeal on Wednesday this week. It said the decision from the Administrative Court in Linköping conflicts with earlier court rulings.

The case dates to March 2024 when Spelinspektionen issued Svenska Spel with a warning and penalty over its conduct. This related to duty of care and breaches of the 2019 Gambling Act, with the regulator flagging failures found during an investigation that ran from October to December 2021.

Key issues noted included Svenska Spel not taking sufficient measures to protect players against excessive gambling. Spelinspektionen singled out 10 players who lost the most money during the supervision period.

However, earlier in June, Svenska Spel successfully appealed against the ruling. While the court ruled the customers in question presented evidence of excessive gambling, it said Spelinspektionen did not show Svenska Spel had failed to comply with its duty of care responsibilities in a way that required regulatory intervention.

Svenska Spel also hit out at a lack of clarity over duty of care rules in Sweden. It added the penalty was “disproportionate in relation to the shortcomings” flagged by the regulator.

Regulator hits back over Svenska Spel appeal ruling

Now launching its own appeal over the case, Spelinspektionen said the Administrative Court decision conflicts not only with previous court rulings but also its own assessment of the scope of the duty of care.

The regulator said the Administrative Court judgment “incorrectly assumed” duty of care requirements in the act lack clarity. Spelinspektionen said the provision places “clear” expectations on operators that hold a licence in Sweden.

“All licensees must promptly take active measures to protect players against excessive gambling,” Spelinspektionen said. “Licensees must also continuously monitor extensive gambling and, if necessary, take measures at the same pace as the gambling occurs.

“A licensee must also voluntarily limit gambling to counteract the damage that excessive gambling can cause.”

Svenska Spel did not take ‘necessary’ measures

Looking to the 10 customers highlighted in its initial assessment, Spelinspektionen said some lost significant amounts. During a two-month period, individual player losses ranged from SEK260,000 to SEK600,000.

The regulator added that one of the noted players was a younger person, while in several cases, losses corresponded to a large part of the customer’s taxable annual income

“Svenska Spel’s measures have mainly consisted of warnings and informative messages,” the regulator said. “We believe Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has neither continuously followed up on the customers it has reviewed nor taken necessary and individualised measures to limit their gambling.

“We believe the Administrative Court has assessed Svenska Spel in a completely different way than other sanctioned licensees. As such, we are appealing the Administrative Court ruling to the Court of Appeal.”

Svenska Spel is yet to comment on the regulator’s appeal.

On Monday, the ANJL hit out at ABRAS’ video, titled “History of Bets”, which linked the regulated betting sector to food insecurity in Brazil.

In the video, ABRAS makes claims that every Brazilian real spent on betting leads to “one less dish on the table” and a “bill that is late”, with the retail sector allegedly missing out on BRL103 billion ($18.7 million) in revenue last year due to gambling.

However, the ANJL responded by highlighting official data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics that instead showed the retail sector recorded growth of 4.7% in the last year.

In the ANJL’s view, the video goes beyond “criticism of specific agents and affects the sector as a whole”.

ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge said: “The retail sector has decided to choose someone to blame for the rise in food prices on families’ tables. And, in their opinion, betting companies are responsible.

“This is absurd, because it spreads fake news that aims to attack a legitimate sector of the economy, which will generate more than BRL4 billion in taxes this year alone. Reducing the country’s budgetary issues to the regulated betting market is irresponsible and simplistic.”

ANJL takes aim at ‘silent predator’ claim

Additionally, the ANJL took exception to the labelling of online gambling as a “silent predator”, accusing the video of being offensive and including a “tone of misinformation”.

The ANJL believes the video fails to differentiate properly between licensed betting operators and their illegal counterparts, which divert billions of reals away from public revenue in Brazil.

“Nobody came in stealthily, as the video says,” Lemos Jorge continued. “The names of the legalised houses are public and can be consulted by anyone on the federal government websites, which also publishes information every time a betting company is authorised to operate in the country.

“ABRAS may be against the betting sector, but it cannot disseminate false information.”

Focus on 12% Brazil betting tax also challenged

The ABRAS video also states operators only pay 12% in tax, claiming the retail sector’s tax burden is unfair in comparison.

“It makes no sense for a betting game to pay less tax than you pay to eat,” the video says.

In response, the ANJL called the 12% tax figure an “erroneously mentioned fact”, highlighting this figure is only on gross gaming revenue. It said that when combined with other taxes such as PIS/Cofins and municipal contributions, the effective tax rate is around 38%.

This is set to increase, too, with the government publishing a provisional measure last week that raises the tax rate on GGR to 18%, a 50% hike.

While the provisional measure is effective immediately, Brazilian law states the contributions will only be collected from 90 days after its publication on 11 June.

The Senate and Chamber of Deputies will have 120 days from the measure’s publication to vote on whether to make the tax increase permanent.

Veikkaus announced Tuesday it had uncovered this suspicious betting activity, relating to a Finnish national team game played in December and a match in the F-Liiga top-tier national club competition. It has flagged its findings with both the league and the Finnish Floorball Federation (SSBL).

The national game was Finland against Norway in the 2024 Men’s World Championship last December. Veikkaus said inside information about the game appears to have been used in bets made by several league players and officials outside the national team.

The national game in question was Finland against Norway in the 2024 Men’s World Championship last December.

Veikkaus also flagged the 2024-25 season F-Liiga playoff match between Classic and SPV in the spring of this year. It said individuals with close connections to the Classic team wagered on the game but added that there were no concerns over SPV.

Veikkaus detects unusually large bets

As to how Veikkaus reached its conclusion of suspicious betting, Director of Security and Risk Management Mikko said bets placed were far higher than standard wagers on these games. He added that some of these bets also came from accounts that had been inactive for some time.

“Based on our investigations, it seems quite obvious that secret lineup information has been passed on and leaked from within the teams, before it has become public,” Lahti said.

“Based on these, people with close connections to insiders have even placed completely exceptional bets for themselves before the lineup information was published, even against the team to which the bettor is connected.

“However, we are not aware that those who played in the matches in question or acted as officials listed in the minutes have placed bets on the matches.”

Players bet on their own teams to lose

In addition to the two matches in question, Veikkaus raised further concerns about wider betting activity in the F-Liiga. It said several players, officials or others closely connected to teams bet on league matches during the previous two seasons. This is against the F-Liiga rules and regulations.

Veikkaus flagged one player in particular who wagered tens of thousands of euros during the last season. The same player was also found to have placed large bets in previous years.

The operator also noted how an individual involved with the operations of a team placed bets throughout last season. Wagers were made before team lineups were published, with some bets being on his team to lose.

“This is a serious matter in which actions have been taken contrary to the rules and ethical values,” Lahti said. “I hope that the disclosure of the matter will underline for everyone involved in top-level sports in Finland how confidential insider information linked to betting and the betting ban related to one’s own league should be treated.”

Sports federation ‘truly sorry’ over suspicious betting

Veikkaus has handed over the relevant material to the Finnish Sports Ethics Centre (SUEK). The Finnish Floorball Federation (SSBL) and F-Liiga will also commence their own investigations into the matter.

SSBL Executive Director Riku Tapio said he was “naturally disappointed” over the issue. He said the federation will likely impose penalties on those involved.

“We are truly sorry,” Tapio said. “This is against morality, ethics, rules and agreements. Our task is to ensure that these cases are investigated. After that, the clear goal is to ensure that this never happens again.

“Together with SUEK, we will do everything we can to find the culprits. After that, we will impose penalties on them.”

A joint investigation by the commission’s Sport Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU), BBF and FIBA focused on the British Basketball League (BBL). The league disbanded at the end of the 2023-24 season after 38 years of competition.

This probe uncovered wrongdoing among former Surrey Scorchers players Quincy Taylor, Charleston Dobbs, Shakem Johnston, Padiet Wang and Joshua McFolley.

The players were found to have fixed matches during the 2022-23 season, including at least six Scorchers games. Incidents involved taking payments to fix the results of matches or being involved in the planning to fix games.

As such, the BBF handed lifetime bans and £3,000 ($4,080) fines to both Taylor and Dobbs. Meanwhile, Johnston and Wang were issued worldwide bans by FIBA, while McFolley was suspended until September 2034.

Zero tolerance of match-fixing

The other individual in the case was Dean Wanliss, another former player who previously played for the Scorchers. Wanliss was found to have bet on basketball matches between 2019-2021, in breach of regulations.

Wanliss was investigated by FIBA, Spanish Basketball Federation, the International Olympic Committee Monitoring Unit and the wider British betting industry. He was fined £3,000 and will serve a three-year ban from the sport.

“This case underscores the commitment of FIBA, the BBF, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders to maintaining integrity in sport and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward betting-related corruption,” the commission said.

The betting CPI was established in November last year, with the aim of investigating the “growing influence of online virtual gambling games on [Brazilian families’ financial spending]”.

However, the entity faced significant criticism, being accused of extortion in December after a Veja magazine investigation. Then-Senate President Davi Alcolumbre rejected a request to further extend the CPI’s deadline, describing the commission as a “circus”.

The CPI has now come to a humiliating end, with the report from its rapporteur, Senator Soraya Thronicke, rejected on a vote of four to three on Thursday.

It means none of the measures proposed by Thronicke will be adopted, leaving the industry with more questions than answers amid a time of significant uncertainty. In the last two weeks tax rises and additional advertising restrictions have been enforced by politicians, placing significant pressure on the sector.

Despite the report’s rejection, Thronicke says she will still send the documents to authorities, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Police, for review.

What was in the betting CPI report?

Thronicke’s report sought to indict 16 people, including digital influencers Virgínia Fonseca and Deolane Bezerra, for offences relating to fraud and illegal gambling.

With the report only presented on Tuesday, Senator Angelo Coronel said there simply wasn’t enough time to properly analyse its findings.

Coronel, who voted to reject the report, explained: “I don’t feel comfortable voting on something I haven’t read.”

Alongside the indictments, Thronicke also presented 20 bills with the intention of suppressing gambling harms, including a ban on the controversial Fortune Tiger game, which has been linked to fraud and scams via influencer marketing schemes.

Thronicke also sought to ban betting among those registered with the social welfare programme CadÚnico, as well as implementing a prison sentence of between one and four years for those not adhering to gambling advertising regulations.

Additionally, Thronicke recommended prison terms of between four and eight years and a fine for those operating online gambling without a licence.

Other measures such as the introduction of a maximum three-hour period of betting per day and the creation of a national self-exclusion scheme were also rejected.

Why did the betting CPI fail?

Senator Eduardo Gomes raised wider concerns about the effectiveness of CPIs, claiming they needed to be overhauled.

“I don’t like CPIs. I think they work incorrectly,” Gomes said. “An effective change in how they work is needed, or we will have one CPI after another, harmed by their own functioning.”

Across 21 meetings, the betting CPI heard from only 19 people, just over 10% of the allocated testimonies. Six of those summoned failed to appear.

Additionally, only half of the 192 requests for confidential information from the Financial Activities Control Council were approved.

Senator Eduardo Girão initially said he would vote against the report due to the conduct of the CPI, although he later gave his approval due to its “interesting measures” on restricting betting.

Girão noted that none of his eight requests were approved and also highlighted the previous claims of extortion.

CPI President Dr Hiran Gonçalves responded to Girão, saying: “I don’t accept insinuations. Say the name. It’s bravado. We can’t be vague – when we are vague, we attack people who don’t deserve to be attacked.”

Alternative view added to final report

On Tuesday, Senator Izalci Lucas also presented an alternative report, which included measures such as a ban on advertising on radio and TV between 6am and 10pm, as well as making the damages caused by abusive advertising a joint liability between betting sites and digital influencers.

Although Izalci’s report was first listed as a separate vote, Thronicke added a section to her own final report.

During the vote, however, senators only reviewed Thronicke’s text and decided not to vote on Izalci’s, believing it was compromised.

Senator Gomes criticised Izalci’s report for its exposure of confidential financial data of people under investigation.

Published this week, the performance audit considers the current initiatives in place in NSW. This includes the effectiveness of efforts from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.

While the report acknowledged that the entities regulate gaming machines in a “structured and consistent manner”, it added they are not supporting harm minimisation outcomes effectively.

Concerns over venue staff not acting on gambling harm

Key points highlighted include the department’s regulatory strategy not having a sufficient focus on areas considered high risk for gambling harm. It also does not set any targets for reducing harm associated with gaming machines

The report also noted compliance and enforcement activities have largely focused on recent legislative changes relating to the layout and signage for gaming machine rooms. However, it said the department does “relatively little” to assess actions from venue staff to identify and prevent harmful activities.

“The department assesses the knowledge venue staff have of mandatory training courses they have completed,” the report said. “However, it does not test whether staff apply this in practice.”

The Audit Office also raised concerns over licensing in NSW. It said while there are processes for assessing applications, the ILGA does not proactively review licence conditions after issue. This, the report said, means some venues may not have had a licence review for some time, noting how only two of the 20 largest clubs in NSW have applied to change operations since 2019-20.

Gaming machine numbers increase in NSW

Finally, the report made reference to efforts to reduce the number of gaming machines in the state. While a tradeable machine entitlement scheme in The Gaming Machines Act 2001 (the Act) has contributed to a fall in entitlements, this reduction was “gradual”.

In addition, it was noted that the number of machines in NSW since 2021–22 has increased. The report placed the current machine total in NSW at 87,749, the highest of any state in Australia by some margin.

“ILGA only reviews licence conditions for venues with gaming machines when a venue makes an application to change its gaming machine operations,” the report said. “ILGA has the power to impose conditions on venues with a licence to operate machines.

“However, most of the venues that have the largest number of machines have not had licence conditions reviewed for at least the past five years because they have not applied for changes to their gaming machine operations.”

What can NSW do to address concerns?

In its analysis, the Audit Office set out several recommendations to address concerns flagged within the report. First, it recommended the department increase the focus of its regulatory strategy on improving harm minimisation outcomes. The deadline for this is June 2026.

This includes establishing baselines and targets for improvements relating to gambling harm minimisation. The department should also focus on regulatory requirements with the most direct impact on these outcomes, such as staff compliance with these rules.

The Audit Office also urged the department to review the gaming machine forfeiture scheme to ensure it helps reduce machine numbers. According to the report, this should include removing certain exemptions and proposing additional measures for venues to forfeit entitlements voluntarily.

As for the ILGA, the report also set a deadline of June 2026 for it to implement changes to its measures. Recommendations include commencing reviews of licence conditions of machine venues in the highest risk locations.

The ILGA is also recommended to increase the clarity about its decision-making for gaming machine applications. This, the report said, may include ensuring statements of reasons for decisions are published in a timely manner, and providing venues whose applications are refused with rationale for the decision.

“Many factors can contribute to gambling harm levels, including policy settings and social and economic factors,” the report said. “While effective regulation alone cannot deliver harm minimisation outcomes, the department and ILGA have a clear responsibility for implementing legislative objectives relating to harm minimisation.”

Doocey said the funding will help improve access to support for players experiencing harm. It will also strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of harm across the market.

Legal iGaming on the horizon in New Zealand 

New Zealand is currently building out a regulatory framework for a legal iGaming market, to launch in 2026.  

In August, a local lawyer told iGB the government expects the licensed iGaming market to be worth NZ$500m (US$300.8m) once it launches.  

A number of leading global brands have expressed interest in gaining a local licence for the online market, including 888, Betway and Bet365.  

In a letter to government dated July 2024, TAB New Zealand, the market’s online betting monopoly, estimated Jackpotcitycasino held the largest share (15%) of the iGaming grey market in 2023. Next was Casumo with 9%, Spincasino with 7%, LeoVegas with 5%, Guts with 4%, SkyCityCasino with 4% and Royalvegascasino holding a similar 4% share.  

Land-based and online operators to provide funding 

The government’s latest strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and the minister said it strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience. 

Services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, paid for by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB and lottery monopoly Lotto NZ. The department is also considering how licensed online casino operators will contribute to the strategy.  

As part of the process, Doocey said 18 new clinical internship positions would be established. This will help to improve players’ access to support.  

“It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work. It will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm,” Doocey said.  

“The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm,” Doocey concluded. 

According to ACMA, the four operators failed to comply with rules on BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER). Its findings followed separate investigations into each of the operators.

With Buddybet, ACMA said the operator failed to close wagering accounts for people on the NSER and sent content marketing to them. Buddybet has since exited the Australian market.

As for Ultrabet, the regulator found the brand reopened the account of a user at the end of their self-exclusion period and allowed that person to bet with that same account. Ultrabet also sent marketing to another player who had self-excluded.

NSER rules say that when a consumer registers with BetStop, operators must close their account as soon as practicable. These accounts most not be reopened, even after a player completes their self-exclusion period. Operators should also not send self-excluded people electronic marketing such as emails or texts.

As Buddybet has exited the market, it will face no further action. However, with Ultrabet, a court-enforceable undertaking commits the operator to review its compliance systems and processes and implement improvements.

ACMA flags more marketing breaches

ACMA also carried out investigations into VicBet and Topbet, both of which operate online. It found both brands contravened NSER rules by sending marketing material to a self-excluded person.

Both VicBet and Topbet were issued with a formal warning over the breaches.

“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them,” ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said. “The rules about account closure must be complied with.

“People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable.

“Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude, or face further consequences.”

The quadruple ruling comes after ACMA last month also penalised Unibet over self-exclusion failures. Unibet was ordered to pay AU$1 million (US$649,170) over more than 100,000 contraventions by Unibet of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

ACMA said Unibet failed to close 954 user accounts in a timely manner after they registered with the NSER.

In December 2018, outgoing President Michel Temer signed legislation paving the way for sports betting regulations in Brazil.

However, critics of Bolsonaro claim little progress was made under his administration, with some now attributing current challenges – such as fears over rising addiction levels and family debt – to the lack of action made during that period.

Thronicke agrees, believing the grey status of the market in Brazil during that time gave way to a proliferation of betting sites, without sufficient control.

“From 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022, who was the president? Jair Messias Bolsonaro,” Thronicke told the CPI. “And it was at that time that Brazil took first place in the world ranking for the number of bets, the number of bettors. So they let it run wild.

“I have heard from former ministers and people at the top of the former government saying that, yes, they tried, they brought this issue to the agenda. And it was part of the former government’s plan to regulate betting. And why didn’t they regulate it? Nobody answers that. Nobody regulated it.”

Thronicke believes current budget cuts can be attributed to the Bolsonaro government’s failure to regulate gambling and generate the resulting state contributions.

“The estimate is a loss in revenue of BRL15 billion per year,” Thronicke added. “Imagine BRL15 billion in 2019, 2020 and 2021 onwards!

“We are now facing budget cuts, threats of budget cuts in basic issues: health, education. So, we cannot ignore the omission of the former government.”

Calls for betting CPI to be extended

Last week, it was reported the betting CPI would be coming to an end after Senate President Davi Alcolumbre decided the committee had already had enough time to compile a report.

In quotes shared with local news site O Antagonista, Senator Jorge Kajuru explained Alcolumbre had labelled the CPI a “circus”, frustrated by its lack of progress.

With the CPI set to end on 14 June, on Tuesday Senator Izalci Lucas again called for its work to be extended, after two owners of betting platforms failed to appear having been summoned to testify.

One of those, an influencer known as “Jon Vlogs”, told the CPI his absence was due to being out of the country, with Thronicke retorting: “We know very well how rich these people are. They may come from abroad, because there are flights every day to Brazil. In my opinion, it is ill will, an excuse.”

Izalci Lucas feels it is imperative the CPI is extended so those summoned are heard, saying: “I hope there is common sense here and that we can approve the request to postpone this CPI, because we still need to hear from some people in order to conclude the report.

“If the objective, in fact, is to investigate and improve the legislation, we will need a little more time.”

The CPI ‘circus‘

The CPI, established in November last year, came under fire in December when Brazilian magazine Veja made allegations of extortion within the committee.

The criticism has intensified further in recent weeks, after Senator Cleitinho Azevedo requested a picture with influencer Virgínia Fonseca while she gave testimony to the CPI, centring on her promotion of betting sites on social media.

Thronicke hit out at Fonseca in the aftermath, criticising her attitude and stating she does not believe the answers she gave during her testimony.

Additionally, Thronicke has called for Senator Ciro Nogueira to be replaced as an alternate member of the betting CPI. That came after reports that he had travelled on the private jet of a betting businessman who previously appeared in front of the commission, which Thronicke contended was a conflict of interest.

Ad proposals set to be voted upon

The Brazilian Sports Committee was prepared to vote Wednesday on proposals to further restrict advertising.

The passing of one of the bills would mean advertising during the broadcast of live sporting events would only be allowed five minutes before and five minutes after the broadcast of matches.

Sports clubs fear such restrictions could slash the revenue they’re able to generate from betting advertising.

Last week, Senator Eduardo Girão reiterated his desire to see betting completely banned, believing the football sector’s dependence on gambling sponsorships is proving harmful to the sport.

The Gaming Supervision and Control Committee (EEEP) and the Health Quality Assurance Organisation (OHQA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The two have an aim of promoting joint actions to prevent and treat gambling addiction.

The EEEP and OHQA said the collaboration is a response to the growing need to address the social and economic impacts of addiction. Experts will seek to do so through scientifically documented interventions and social support actions.

The EEEP and OHQA will cooperate on goals related to the prevention of addiction and promotion of responsible gaming. They will work together to ensure timely interventions, support treatment and assist individuals and their families who are facing problems.

Dimitris Ntzanatos, the EEEP’s president, said: “It is with great satisfaction that we inaugurate our new collaboration with OHQA. We are delighted that we will be given the opportunity to achieve, through our coordination, the utilisation of know-how and the avoidance of bureaucratic obstacles, effective solutions to a problem with significant social and economic impacts.”

The OHQA will implement the memorandum over a three-year period, with a joint coordination committee overseeing its operation.

Christos Nestoras, OHQA’s chief executive, said, “The Memorandum of Understanding aims to deepen cooperation with the EEEP. The formation of a modern and functional framework based on scientific documentation, respect for citizens and practical support for those in need is a common goal of our bodies.”

Gambling Observatory to be established in Greece

The EEEP signed the memorandum just weeks after outlining plans to establish a Gambling Observatory.

The observatory will have the ability to utilise technologies such as Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. It will also provide access to data for the continuation of scientific research. The public and institutions will be informed about potential new risks from gambling.

An EEEP spokesperson said in a statement at the time: “The creation of a new organic unit in the EEEP, with a research and advisory nature, structured with high standards of transparency and staffed by scientists of recognised prestige, represents a pioneering approach at an international level. Independence, objectivity and flexibility will be the fundamental characteristics of its operation, ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of its interventions.”

Last November, the CPI on betting was established with the objective of investigating the “growing influence of online virtual gambling games on [Brazilian families’ financial spending]”.

The CPI has since probed some of the key issues of the gambling sector in Brazil, including illegal betting, influencer advertising and retrospective grey market taxes prior to the legal offering launching on 1 January.

The CPI was initially set to end on 30 April, although the deadline was extended to 14 June.

That deadline isn’t expected to be extended further, however, with Senator Jorge Kajuru revealing Alcolumbre is frustrated with the lack of progress made by the CPI.

In quotes shared by local news site O Antagonista, Kajuru said: “President Davi slammed his hand on the table.

“That was the only time he got angry and said ‘I do not accept the extension, that’s it, it’s over and I will claim that you did not work, that you did not hold more sessions and did not call the people you should have called and you want to continue with this situation, which is sometimes even a circus.’”

Has the betting CPI been a success?

The betting CPI has covered a number of the key issues, and its report at the conclusion of its work could yet play a key role in quelling some of the concerns surrounding the gambling sector.

But the CPI also hasn’t been without its controversy, with Brazilian magazine Veja making allegations of extortion within the committee in December. This prompted the CPI’s rapporteur Senator Soraya Thronicke to lash out at the “gossip”, which she believed was an attempt to distract from the CPI’s work.

Senator Cleitinho Azevedo also caused a stir last week, when he asked for a photo with influencer Virgínia Fonseca while she gave testimony to the CPI about promoting betting sites on social media.

Thronicke subsequently criticised Cleitinho for his actions, while claiming she didn’t believe the answers Fonseca gave in her CPI appearance, also hitting out at the influencer’s attitude.

This bizarre push appears to be founded on a collective amnesia over the fact the current government not just inherited, but supported, the 2023 white paper review and its proposals, which are only now coming into force.

It’s sometimes easy to forget how seminal the white paper really is, comprising 62 measures impacting all areas of the market. It was rightly described as a “once in a generation” reset for the sector, widely welcomed for balancing customer freedoms while increasing protections for the minority for whom gambling is problematic.

£100 million boost for RPT from statutory levy

Much has happened so far. From 6 April, the statutory levy came into place, aiming to generate £100 million ($134.1 million) a year for research, prevention and treatment (RPT) to tackle problem gambling and gambling-related harm.

Funding will be received by the Gambling Commission by 1 October to cover the 2025-26 levy period, while UK Research and Innovation, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the NHS will commission programmes and services across RPT respectively.

This will nearly double funding from the last year of the voluntary levy, transforming the RPT landscape. For operators the crucial question will be how this entirely new system is governed. So far there has been little detail on how these various bodies will address issues including conflicts, eligibility, transparency as well as how they propose to build trust in this new system.

The sheer volume of money is likely to catch the eyes of newcomers looking for grants. When that happens, it is vital that long-standing, expert RPT providers are not excluded from commissioners’ priorities. Better Change has produced a report which creates food for thought on how to go about governing this new, cash-rich system.

What impact will slot stake limits have on GGY?

There has also been a major overhaul of maximum online slot stakes. On 9 April a new £5 stake limit was introduced for over-25s, then on 21 May the £2 max stake for under-25s came into force. This will eliminate the previous regime of open-ended staking, although it should be noted average stakes across the market are already less than £2 per spin.

The government’s own latest impact assessment predicted this measure would deliver a £181 million hit to operator GGY. We will know by autumn if that prediction proves correct. How customers respond will be a key question, not from playing down to the limits, but whether they exit the regulated market altogether. It would be safe to predict a shift, but only time will tell how much.

Changes to marketing regulation in the UK

On 1 May new direct marketing rules came into force under updated Gambling Commission licence conditions and codes of practice regulations. These reopen the choice architecture for operators, allowing customers to submit their preferences for products and channels for the purposes of direct marketing.

Hot on the heels of this will be a further set of marketing rules which restrict the number of plays required for redeeming bonuses and prevents inducements for different products being tied together. All of this will have an impact on advertising distribution.

Waiting in the wings are land-based casino reforms which address outdated machine allocation rules and allow all venues to provide a sportsbook. These are working their way through parliament now and will come into force in early summer.

These are just a handful of the changes coming into force throughout 2025, but there is a host more to come next year involving legislation, agreements between counterparties plus Gambling Commission measures.

Further gambling regulation would undermine the white paper

The government predicted the white paper’s impact on GGY for the online sector would be between £584m and £914m. It could be more, but that won’t become clear until all the measures are in place and a methodology of measurement is agreed and completed. NatCen has already been appointed as the main evaluator, but there is little transparency on how it will go about its work. What will be the base year? And how will it calculate displacement to the black market, which has to be considered regardless of how challenging it is to measure.

The reality is, the white paper is having a huge impact on the market and will do so for years to come. Calls for further restrictive measures before it is even fully implemented, much less come into force, would ignore and undermine five years of work striving for the political and policy balance the white paper promised.

‘Once in a generation’ should mean exactly that

And even if some have “banked” the white paper, this does not mean there is now a void of further work in the gambling space. The Advertising Standards Authority is already reviewing their less-than-two-year-old rules on “strong appeal” and the use of celebrities in gambling marketing.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched an investigation into cookies and tracking. The Gambling Commission has launched early reviews of fair and open terms while the treasury, not to be left out, has published a consultation on creating a single new online gambling tax.

The gambling space, despite being just a sliver of the overall UK economy, seems to command a disproportionate amount of attention. And it is this attention which roils the waters of policy and clouds the horizon for operators desperate for a sense of normality.

It would be wiser to take a breath once the white paper and its evaluation is completed, if only to give business some relief from the upheaval of a massive body of regulatory intervention. The need to enhance consumer protection goes on, but when it comes to regulations, once in a generation needs to mean just that. There is no need to review the Gambling Act again – policy is set and the industry should be allowed to deliver it.

Wes Himes is a Partner at Intrepid Partners and Senior Adviser at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The interlocutory decision comes after a lawsuit was filed against Betnacional and its owner by the Education and Citizenship of Afrodescendants and the Needy (Educafro) and the Father Ezequiel Ramin Centre for the Defence of Human Rights.

The lawsuit called for the suspension of activities from NSX Group and its Betnacional, Mr Jack Bet and Pagbet brands, as well as collective moral damages of BRL500 million ($88.3 million).

The action alleged the group, which was acquired by Flutter last week, had failed to sufficiently protect children and adolescents from betting.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office initially granted the injunction to suspend the sites’ operations, until proof was given of the effective adoption of technological mechanisms to ensure children can’t access the platforms.

However, the Court of Justice of the Federal District and Territories has decided not to grant the preliminary injunction to suspend NSX Group’s activities, ruling the company had only received authorisation to operate in the newly regulated online Brazil market after satisfying the licence requirements, such as the utilisation of facial recognition technology.

“Considering that it was proven in the records that the defendant obtained the authorisation to operate for a period of five years, it is concluded that the security mechanism indicated by the plaintiffs themselves and required by the Ministry of Finance was duly implemented,” the decision read.

“Therefore, I understand that there is no just cause for granting the preliminary injunction filed.”

Lack of concrete evidence against Betnacional

Udo Seckelmann, Head of Gambling & Crypto at Brazilian law firm Bichara e Motta Advogados, explains the judge decided not to suspend NSX Group’s operations after the case failed to meet the required level of proof, especially with Betnacional licensed and regulated by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA).

“The judge ruled that there was no concrete evidence that Betnacional had actively targeted minors or breached current regulations regarding child and adolescent protection,” Seckelmann tells iGB.

“The decision emphasised that punitive measures such as suspending operations require clear and demonstrable violations, which were not substantiated in this case.”

Seckelmann believes the ruling against suspension of Betnacional will prove “highly significant” for the Brazilian gambling industry, highlighting the importance of licensing for operators, as well as maintaining compliance.

“It suggests that courts are likely to uphold the legality of operations for companies that are properly licensed and adhere to the current rules, particularly those concerning the protection of minors,” Seckelmann continues.

“At the same time, it sends a strong message that the judiciary is attentive to the need for evidence-based claims when it comes to allegations of non-compliance, reinforcing a balanced approach between regulation and market stability.”

NSX Group not entirely out of the woods

As this is just an interlocutory decision, the case will remain ongoing, with the ruling calling for the plaintiffs to provide further information, including factual evidence of the ineffectiveness of NSX Group’s biometric technology.

If additional information is provided, the record will once again be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Seckelmann says new, stronger evidence could yet turn the tide in the plaintiffs’ favour.

“Additionally, changes in the regulatory environment – such as stricter enforcement guidelines or legislative updates – could influence future judicial interpretations.”  

“For now, however, the company remains authorised to operate, pending further developments in the judicial process.”

NSX Group acquired by Flutter

Last week, it was announced NSX Group CEO João Studart would lead Flutter Brazil after the international giant closed its acquisition of the Betnacional parent company.

The deal, valued at $356 million, will comprise NSX’s brands, as well as Flutter’s existing Betfair Brazil business.

On LinkedIn, Studart shared his excitement over the future of the new Flutter Brazil business, saying: “Today, we begin a new stage in our journey.

“It is the recognition of a work that began as a Brazilian startup and that, with strategic vision, talent and consistency, has consolidated itself as a reference in the betting and digital entertainment sector, with leading brands such as Betnacional.”

Mizuhara, the disgraced former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, is something of a pariah in Japan, where the Dodgers baseball star is viewed as a national hero. In February, Mizuhara received a lengthy sentence in connection with embezzling at least $17 million from Ohtani to feed his gambling habit. Born in Tomakomai, a port city on Japan’s second-largest island, Mizuhara may face deportation from the US following his prison stay.

Back in Japan, where baseball is the national pastime, the rate of illegal sports gambling apparently has been soaring. Last year, citizens of Japan placed approximately ¥6.45 trillion ($44.6 billion) in overseas sports wagers even though the sites are illegal, according to a report from the nation’s Council for Sports Ecosystem Promotion. While the market has grown considerably, arrests for gambling-related offences are still minimal, according to the CSEP, which on 14 May published findings of a comprehensive investigation.

The rapid growth in sports betting in Japan shows little signs of abating. Of the vast amounts wagered offshore, approximately ¥1 trillion consists of bets involving domestic sports in Japan, the investigation found. That huge volume raises questions about sports gambling habits in Asia’s third-richest country.

A black eye for Japanese baseball

The report was issued several weeks after two members of the Yomiuri Giants were referred to prosecutors for allegedly gambling on illegal online casino sites.

The two players, Luis Okoye and Daiki Masuda, lost millions of yen on online games such as baccarat and blackjack. Okoye, a nine-year veteran, has 14 career home runs and a batting average of .226 since joining the Nippon Professional Baseball league in 2016. The outfielder wagered about ¥7 million on online casino games, producing a negative balance of around ¥4.5 million, according to Mainichi Shimbun, the nation’s largest daily newspaper.

Amid a league investigation, the NPB accused 14 players across seven teams of engaging in illegal gambling in February.

Reminders of the ‘Black Mist’ scandal

The Yomiuri Giants garnered headlines in 2015 when several players admitted to betting on baseball. According to the club, pitcher Shoki Kasahara wagered on 10 pro baseball games, while also betting on baseball at high school level.

The team also accused another pitcher at the time, Ryuya Matsumoto, of wagering on at least 10 games over a four-month period. While both pitchers admitted to wagering on baseball, they were not accused of betting on games involving their own team. A third player, Satoshi Fukuda, also admitted to wagering on high school games.

The trio also admitted to betting on MLB games in the US, according to The Japan Times. While no evidence emerged that the players engaged in match-fixing, the Times reported that the probe examined possible links to organised crime. The gambling violations took place nearly 50 years after the “Black Mist scandal“, in which several Japanese players accepted money from the famed Yakuza syndicate to fix a series of games.

Illegal markets dwarf sports lottery betting

Today, there are clear signs that Japanese bettors are wagering heavily on domestic baseball on offshore sites.

Of all wagers, domestic baseball led the way with a 2024 handle of ¥528.1 billion, according to the CSEP report. The amount dwarfed soccer, the next highest at ¥333.4 billion, and basketball with ¥86.9 billion. Tennis ranked fourth, followed by a pair of niche sports in volleyball and rugby.

While horse racing is enormously popular in Japan, betting on most sports is heavily restricted.

Sports wagering in Japan is available legally on a limited basis through a government-run sports lottery. The options are sparse, with only minor sports such as motorboat racing and cycling available. Consequently, Japanese bettors wagered ¥133.6 billion on sports lotteries in fiscal year 2024, approximately 48 times less than the amount reportedly wagered offshore.

In soccer alone, Japanese bettors wagered trillions of yen.

Unprecedented wagering patterns by Ippei

The son of a chef, Mizuhara moved to Los Angeles as a young boy in 1991. He played goalkeeper on a varsity soccer team at Diamond Bar High School before returning to Japan to serve as an interpreter for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

There, he met Ohtani, a teenage prodigy for the NPB team. Besides working as Ohtani’s interpreter, Mizuhara became a close confidant of the Japanese star, serving as his catcher in bullpen sessions, preparing lavish meals and forging a bond through frequent video game battles. Mizuhara followed Ohtani to the Los Angeles Angels in 2018.

In California, Mizuhara engaged in rampant betting patterns of extremely high wagers on the illegal market. Over a 37-month period, he placed approximately 19,000 wagers with an enterprise run by illegal bookmaker Matt Bowyer. Mizuhara incurred losses so severe that he had a net balance of negative $40.2 million when he severed his relationship with Bowyer.

His relationship with Ohtani came to a head in March 2024 when reports surfaced that Mizuhara wagered heavily on sports. The interpreter initially told ESPN that Ohtani had knowledge of his betting activity, but he later recanted the story.

Mizuhara had impersonated Ohtani numerous times in calls with bank officials to gain approval for six-figure wire transfers that went to Bowyer’s operation. Ruled a victim of massive theft by Major League Baseball, Ohtani has been cleared of all wrongdoing.

Mizuhara is now scheduled to surrender to federal prison authorities by 16 June.

The reaction on Japanese soil

A three-time MVP honoured in both the American and National League, Ohtani has ostensibly become the Japanese version of Babe Ruth in his native country. Returning home for the Tokyo Series in March, Ohtani crushed a 99mph fastball 389 feet for a solo home run.

Lauding Ohtani for blocking out the pressure of playing before a rabid home crowd, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts likened the two-way player to a superhero.

Ohtani has also placed the gambling scandal squarely in the rear view mirror. Days after reports surfaced on Mizuhara’s betting habits, Ohtani denied placing any wagers on baseball or on sports in general.

He went on to produce a record year in 2024 when he became the first player in MLB history to notch 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. Last fall, he added three dingers in the postseason, en route to the first World Series title in his illustrious career.

Mizuhara, meanwhile, has received strident criticism in Japan for bringing Ohtani into disrepute. Taro Abe, a reporter who covers Ohtani for Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbum, told the Los Angeles Times that Ohtani is viewed as a victim who was hoodwinked by the interpreter. For a player viewed as almost “flawless”, there were practically no reports in Japan that cast doubt on Ohtani, Abe noted.

Natsuko Aoike, who covers the Dodgers star for Japan newspaper Tokyo Sports, described the scandal as a “major, major story”, on par with the media coverage of a presidential election. Even before the scandal, Ohtani typically garnered top headlines on a daily basis, Aoike explained.

A plan to combat illegal betting

Last month, MGM Resorts broke ground on MGM Osaka, an $8.9 billion casino resort planned in Japan’s second-largest city. The nation’s first gambling-related resort is projected to be finished by the fall of 2030, although there is no indication that sports betting will also become legal.

As illegal sports betting proliferates, many foreign countries have engaged in information-sharing initiatives with the Council of Europe as the base of operations, the authors wrote in the CSEP study. The initiative is based on the Macolin Convention, a legal instrument and the only rule of international law on sports manipulation.

While the Japanese council has formed a study group to discuss measures against illicit sports betting, the nation has yet to implement a system based on the convention, according to the CSEP.

Tengco spoke Monday at the second annual International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction. Calling for “a whole-of-society approach”, he urged “regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals and academicians” to join the fight.

“We must not only share knowledge but act as partners in understanding, preventing and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling,” he said.

Tengco called attention to Pagcor’s Responsible Gaming Programme, which enables self-exclusion from casinos and casino games as well as family-initiated player exclusion. He advocated for strict regulation of gaming advertisements and partnerships with rehabilitation centres for problem gamblers and their families.

“Gaming has inherent social risks” Tengco said. “But with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players.” 

The theme of Monday’s conference was “Empowering Pathways: Problem Gambling and Gaming Prevention, Treatment and Recovery”.

In his comments, Tengco said the industry is addressing the problem at its root, first by barring minors, students and government employees from land-based casinos.

Virtual threat as e-games explode

But the greater risk may be online. In the first quarter of 2025, revenue from electronic games surpassed that of brick-and-mortar casinos for the first time in the Philippines.

E-games and e-bingo accounted for about half of the PHP104.1 billion ($1.9 billion) in gross gaming revenue generated during the period. That was an increase of 27.4% from the first quarter of 2024, Pagcor reported on 7 May.

Last year also set precedents. For full-year 2024, GGR totalled PHP410 billion, a new annual record for the Philippines. At the time, the Pagcor chief attributed the spike to the popularity of e-games. Online casino games and internet bingo generated GGR of PHP154.51 billion for the year. That number is up 165% year-on-year – yet another record for the industry.

Last August, the Gambling Commission launched the first stage of its financial risk checks pilot, as one of the major recommendations highlighted in the UK’s gambling review white paper.

The checks are triggered when a bettor’s net monthly deposit reaches £500 ($671.29), with operators able to trigger checks with credit reference agencies.

The first phase of the pilot was seen by the Gambling Commission as a success, with 95% of assessments reported as frictionless.

The second phase has seen that percentage edge up to 97% across approximately 1.7 million checks, relating to around 860,000 accounts, across three credit reference agencies.

The 97% figure is well above the 80% rate estimated in the 2023 white paper, which sparked concerns over generating additional levels of friction and the protection of player privacy.

The commission noted the increase in the percentage of frictionless checks could be due to stage two using more up-to-date data from operators.

“These further findings from the pilot have helped us understand the extent that assessments could be conducted in a frictionless manner,” said Commission Director of Major Policy Projects Helen Rhodes.

“Building on our staged approach to the pilot, we will now further explore data consistency across credit reference agencies, as well as how to support operators to identify the severity of financial difficulties that a customer may be experiencing and how they could support these customers.”

Financial risk checks analysis

The Gambling Commission is understanding more about the financial risk profile of players who trigger assessments in the pilot.

Two of the three credit reference agencies shared data that showed customers meeting the thresholds for the pilot were more likely to trigger a direct risk flag, which would allow operators to receive data.

Although results vary across operators, customers that triggered assessments were between two and four times more likely to have a debt management plan, and between two and five times more likely to have a default in the 12 months prior, when compared to the wider UK population.

Stage three of the pilot under way

The Gambling Commission revealed stage three of the pilot is at reporting stage, with the commission planning to use the phase and its post-pilot analysis to explore more deeply how checks can be targeted to those at the highest financial risk.

“We will also explore how any unnecessary inconsistency between credit reference agencies could be reduced and how operators could be supported in any future implementation,” the commission added.

The commission said data-sharing for stage three ended on 30 April and it will now move to an analysis phase which will run into the summer.

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about critics of gambling, but also of the people defending the business and I think there is a fundamental problem affecting both sides of the argument. Basically, too many people in the fight are middle class.

Obviously that doesn’t make them bad people, it just skews their world view away from where it really ought to be. It skews their base understanding of gambling as an issue and it unfortunately often makes their arguments sound more than a little condescending.

The ban that wasn’t

A while back I wrote a piece about The Guardian’s ban on gambling advertising, because the thing that annoyed me so much was that the UK’s National Lottery was still allowed to advertise. That made – and makes – zero sense to me and to any rational human. So why was it allowed? As the paper itself announced, it’s because it has “social benefits through raising money for good causes and typically involved ‘non-instantaneous draws’”.

The operator at the time, Camelot, told me proudly that they had an outlet less than one mile from almost every home in Great Britain. But that’s OK, because the lottery funds other nice things that the middle class enjoy. Arts funding, specifically. Several opera groups and venues in the UK are supported financially by the National Lottery, which I am sure warms the hearts of people in Bradford.

My point here is that one of the industry’s key critics is also most representative of the country’s middle class. And as I have said before, I would bet real cash money that none of their journalists have been outside a newsagents in Broadway on the day benefits are paid to see people walking out with armfuls of scratchcards.

Deprivation occurs before the bookies

A frequent criticism of gambling is that bookmakers are clustered in poor, deprived areas. And they are, by and large. It’s hard to disagree with that. It’s also worth noting though that there are more pubs around football grounds than there are next to Waitrose supermarkets. Do you know why? Because they will sell more beer.

And bookies pop up in poorer areas, because they will do more business. My issues here though is not with those bookmakers – it’s with those middle class critics. What are they missing? Well, first and foremost, the deprivation comes before the bookies. Long, long before, in fact. The bookmaker is not causing the deprivation in these areas – far from it. In fact bookies in places with few services or jobs tend to become social hubs as much as anything else. They’re also taking bets from people with very little to lose, but there’s the real issue. It’s not that bookies proliferate where there are poor people or deprivation, it’s that they proliferate where people are desperate and just want a little bit of hope.

Lack of social mobility a problem

The key is the deprivation. Criticise the bookies, criticise the industry all you want, but if you don’t do anything about poverty, unemployment and everything that goes with it, you’re not even urinating in the wind. You haven’t even unzipped, you’re just soaking your own leg. There’s a reason you won’t find nearly as many in London’s Kensington, or Westminster.

Social mobility is dead and gone. You can ignore the research on this even, because I’m pretty sure the people at the Institute for Fiscal Studies are all university educated and middle class. The IFS says it’s a bit more difficult for people to move up in the world, but it’s not – it’s basically impossible.

The organisation says, “It may be harder now than at any point in over half a century to move up if you are born in a position of disadvantage.” If your parents don’t own and leave you property (or gift you the deposit), you’re not buying a house. If you get in to university, you’ll leave with debt of well over £30k before you’ve even got a sniff of a job.

Poor people are going to stay poor and everything is geared towards them doing so. Should they have any hope? Any escape, temporary as it’s bound to be? People suggesting a gambling ban have (on the whole) never been desperate, never been hungry and almost certainly never been homeless. Winning some money is a way out. It’s a bill paid, it’s heating switched on, it’s Christmas presents, it’s better food. Hey, I’m not saying it’s realistic – I’m saying where there’s no hope, what the hell do you expect?

Lack of empathy in the responsible gambling argument

I had a conversation with a guy several years ago who was complaining about a potential housing development on privately owned land next to the village he lived in. Nice guy in most ways, but he had that Not-In-My-Back-Yard mentality that blows my mind. He said, the houses will spoil the view from the village. Well, no, I said. They’ll change it a bit. He said, there’s no infrastructure there, though. I said, we’re not talking about a huge development though, are we? Then I asked him the big one: “[REDACTED], have you ever been homeless?”

“No, why?”

“Because there is a massive housing shortage in this area and hardly any social housing and people need somewhere to live. This development has to guarantee a large percentage of affordable housing.”

“Oh.”

I don’t think we’ve spoken since. He just couldn’t see how it affected the world as a whole, not just him. Sometimes people take a stance on things because it affects them in a real way; often though, that stance is based on a moral perception borne from privilege and that’s a very dangerous place to formulate a view from. “Gambling is bad, look at how it affects the poor people!” Yep, it’s really disproportionate, isn’t it? Wonder what we could do about that…. Hey, how about making them not-poor?? Decisions are being made by people that have never worked three jobs simultaneously, have never eaten out of a bin, have never not had a roof over their heads. How can that be right?

Lived experience key for responsible gambling debates

On the industry side, researchers are generally middle class and responsible gambling proponents are middle class. Does this skew their research? I’d argue that it must and, not only that, it skews their understanding of their own research. Hell, it skews deciding what to research in the first place. Data is useless without understanding context and to understand context you surely need some experience. Research needs lived experience oversight, in my opinion, to give it grounding, relevance and real understanding. Reading about domestic violence doesn’t mean you understand abuse, or the measures people reach for to cope with it. They’re just abstractions, numbers. Reducing those experiencing harm to numbers doesn’t help anyone. But understanding how they got there, that could change everything.

So we get to the point: People with lived experience are more important in this conversation than ever before. Almost every one of them I have spoken to has had a calm and measured opinion on the issues within the gambling industry – not a prohibitionist or alarmist stance at all. They understand far more than you or I ever could and that experience should be used in the right way across every possible strand of responsible gambling and research.

Will it be? I’m unsure, because most of them are working class. As an industry we need to find a way to learn more and learn better from these people, because they’re the only ones that have lived the problem and understand not just the path into despair, but the path out, too.

Jon Bruford has been working in the gambling industry for over 17 years, formerly as managing editor of Casino International and presently as publishing director at The Gaming Boardroom, with Kate Chambers and Greg Saint.

It is expected that the measure will face legal assessment, with the SPA publishing an ordinance to formally introduce the prohibition.

However Luiz Felipe Maia, founding partner of Brazilian law firm Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, warns the ban could infringe upon the rights of Brazilians.

Felipe Maia tells iGB: “At the end of the day it becomes a civil rights issue, because what we’re saying is ‘Okay, if I am in a situation where I need welfare, I cannot decide where I’m going to spend my money, so I have limited freedom’.

“Either you give them stamps and say, ‘Okay, these stamps are for food and you can only use those for food’, or you’re giving them money and you’re allowing them to decide what they’re going to do with that money.”

Why is betting different from alcohol and cigarettes?

Betting was included in tax reform proposals earlier this year in Brazil, with the sector expecting to face a consumption tax, described by some as a “sin tax”, in the future.

While those proposals were scrapped for now at least, Felipe Maia believes the ban on betting with Bolsa Família risks harming the perception of gambling, especially when the same measures aren’t placed upon similarly addictive activities such as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

“I think this welfare issue for me, I’ve never seen anyone arguing against someone that received welfare benefits buying beer or cigarettes,” Felipe Maia added. “So what’s the difference?

“I understand that’s not the intention of those benefits, and I think it’s wrong that they are spending this with gaming, but I think it’s wrong that they are spending this on beer, or on cigarettes, and if you take into account that gaming is entertainment, maybe you shouldn’t be spending this on movies or Netflix as well.”

Bolsa Família ban could drive the illegal market

In September last year, the Central Bank of Brazil revealed around a fifth of the funds it issued through Bolsa Família had been used for online gambling.

Ed Birkin, managing director of H2 Gambling Capital, believes that while the ban on betting with Bolsa Família is well intentioned, it also risks driving players towards the black market where there are fewer player protections.

“There may be some who say, frankly, you should spend money on what you want,” Birkin said. “But if you’ve been given benefits for a certain reason, then that’s it.

“But this idea that they can stop them betting; unless they’re able to really go down to restricting almost what they can spend it on [and say] you cannot spend it with a legal betting operator, they’re just spending with the illegal ones.”

In a letter sent to Parliament last week, MP Layla Moran, chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, said the government should undertake a second review of the Gambling Act.

That letter highlighted the committee’s findings that gambling was connected to high rates of harm and suicide in the UK. It cited data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) in 2023, which estimated there were between 117 and 496 suicides associated with problem gambling every year.

However, a number of industry analysts have expressed concern over the use of this data, which has been regarded by some as misleading and based on erroneous studies conducted with incorrect methodologies.

Melanie Ellis, partner at Northridge law firm, tells iGB: “It’s frustrating that the letter leads with the debunked estimate of 117 to 496 gambling-related suicides every year in England.

“Ultimately, I think it very unlikely that this letter will prompt a further review of the Gambling Act, while work on implementing the 2023 white paper’s recommendations is ongoing.”

Source of the gambling-related rate of suicide

The origin of the numbers started with the UK’s first state-sponsored calculation of gambling-related suicides in 2021. Public Health England released a report that stated in England there were 409 suicides a year associated with gambling harm.

This study was subsequently replaced by a 2023 update from the OHID that reported the number of gambling-related suicides as between 117 and 496.

Dan Waugh, partner at Regulus Partners, stated in a 2024 report that both the OHID and Public Health England had based their estimates on a 2018 study of the medical records of patients treated in Swedish hospitals between 2006 and 2016. That study was conducted by Dr Anna Karlsson and Professor Anders Håkansson from Lund University.

Public Health England applied the suicide mortality ratios in the Swedish study – that problem gamblers were 15.1 times more likely to take their own life – and used them to come to a figure of 409 problem gambling-related deaths a year in the UK.

OHID then repeated the same methodology in 2023 to reach the figure of suicide associated with gambling disorder between 117 and 409.

“In doing so they ignored critical information and clear warnings that their methods were unsound,” Waugh insists.

“The hospital patients whose records were analysed in the ‘Swedish study’ suffered from a wide range of diagnosed mental and physical health conditions. As a group, they were at elevated risk of self-harm, regardless of the presence or absence of gambling disorder.”

The authors of the Swedish study, Karlsson & Håkansson, themselves acknowledged that the results were likely “skewed toward a population” of people that had more “severe forms” of gambling disorders.

A follow-up study by Karlsson and Håkansson in 2020 found that alcohol and drug misuse were additional factors in reported suicide attempts.

Panel members outspoken

In 2022, then-Health Minister Maggie Throup told Parliament the Public Health England report would be reviewed and the calculation used to create the estimates would be published.

This has yet to be made public, if it was even carried out, and the UK government has had an election and government change in the meantime.

One of the members who had advised on the OHID report as a member of its expert panel was Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones.

Since the work on that panel, Dr Bowden-Jones publicly stated at a Social Market Foundation event in 2022 that you can’t use methodologies from other markets to accurately assess rates of suicide.

“We cannot extrapolate from Swedish studies, from Norwegian studies – it doesn’t work,” Bowden-Jones said.

Gambling-related rates of suicide

Tracking the rate of suicide due to one factor is a tough task, as suicide can be hard to identify in some cases, or is the result of combined issues that can run the spectrum of mental and physical health disorders.  

Of the hard data available on the connection between gambling and suicides, there is little in modern statistics in the UK made public by the government.

Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that the number of suicides where “gamble/gambled or gambling” was mentioned on the death certificate was 21 in England and Wales during the period between 2001 and 2016.

However, the Office for National Statistics does urge caution when interpreting this data. As it noted, the data is not “considered completely reliable” as coroners will not always record detailed information about a deceased person’s history. 

“Therefore, these figures represent how many records mentioned gambling on the death certificate but are likely to be an undercount,” the Office for National Statistics stated in 2018, when the data was published.

Waugh, who has been outspoken on this issue, acknowledges that gambling disorder is a risk factor for suicide.

However, it is “one that demands context. Understanding this can be helpful when it comes to devising self-harm prevention strategies,” Waugh adds.

Future approach

If figures are to be produced that show a prevalence of gambling-related suicides, they should have clear methodologies and operationalised definitions. How long has the person gambled? Have they been diagnosed with a gambling addiction? Were there medical comorbidity factors?

The number may not be clear or agreed upon, but people do die from gambling-related harm and disorders. While a move towards clear data should be of the upmost importance, the pain suffered by families impacted by gambling-related suicides should not be forgotten, such as that felt by Liz and Charles Ritchie from the organisation Gambling with Lives.

The Ritchies lost their son Jack in 2017 and recounted their lived experience for the recent Health and Social Care Committee panel, a recount that should not be diminished in any way by potentially erroneous statistics.

Girão blamed betting in Brazil, which launched its regulated online sector on 1 January, for increases in addiction and family debt.

With the vote to legalise land-based betting rumoured to be on the horizon, Girão has called for the entire sector to be banned, having authored a bill towards the end of 2024 that aimed to repeal the betting laws.

The bill in question is still waiting for a rapporteur to be appointed.

“We need to stop this humanitarian tragedy that is betting,” Girão said. “Only a few win: tycoons. And those who lose are millions. For me, it has to end. I have a bill to end it, to ban sports betting again.

“The damage has already been done, the signs are there. And there are still people with zero responsibility towards the Brazilian population, with zero social commitment, who are thinking of putting casinos and bingo halls to a vote in this House in the coming weeks.”

Girão has long been an opponent of gambling in Brazil, but he failed in his bid earlier this year to become the Senate president, losing out to betting advocate Davi Alcolumbre.

Influence of betting on Brazilian football

Alongside his bill to ban sports betting, Girão is also the author of PL 3,405/2023, which would prohibit use of celebrities in advertising to bet on sporting events.

That bill, alongside PL 2,985/2023, which would restrict the times during which betting ads can be broadcast, are set to be voted on this Wednesday.

If the bills are approved by the Sports Commission on Wednesday, they will be forwarded for analysis by the Communication and Digital Law Commission, which will have the final decision on whether to pass them as laws.

Girão claims the football industry’s dependence on betting sponsorships is harmful to the sport. He has called for a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) to be set up to investigate wrongdoing by the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).

Senator Soraya Thronicke, head of the CPI on betting, previously said the group was “having enormous difficulty – enormous – in investigating large betting companies that sponsor games in Brazil; the CBF, for example.”

Twice last week, the New York Knicks pulled off comebacks of 20 or more points to stun the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics. In this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers made NHL history by rallying in five straight contests to notch victories. Quite often, the runs can prompt bettors to chase losses, leading to depleted accounts. A small subset of bettors may rush back to their apps to deposit and reload.

On Wednesday, FanDuel unveiled a sophisticated responsible gaming tool to help them make informed decisions about the level of funds they deposit with the site. The online sportsbook operator launched Real-Time Check-In, its new responsible gaming technology. At the SBC Summit Americas conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, FanDuel outlined a product that combines data with machine learning to analyse and model personalised deposit behaviour in real time. FanDuel’s launch coincides with the seventh anniversary of the Supreme Court’s historic PASPA anniversary.

“We know a deposit is a key moment in the customer journey,” said Cory Fox, who serves as senior vice president of public policy and sustainability at FanDuel. “Now, we’re able to use machine learning to provide a new level of support through Real-Time Check-In encouraging customers to reflect on how much money they’re depositing and if it’s within their budget.”

Self-regulation amid scrutiny of industry’s ‘social licence’

As a congressman from New York looks to mobilise support for a federal framework on sports betting, the debate on government mandates for deposit limits has intensified. A provision in US Rep Paul Tonko’s SAFE Bet Act pertains to issues surrounding affordability. The section prohibits operators from accepting more than five deposits from a customer over a 24-hour period. On the state level, a New York state assemblyman is sponsoring a similar proposal.

Although sportsbook operators stress that compulsive gamblers make up only a small cohort of their user base, internet searches for assistance with gambling addiction have surged.

With some headlines blaring about the perils of compulsive gambling, Fox cautions that the industry’s “social licence” may be at risk. The hazards, he notes, should be enough to push operators to prove that their platforms are sustainable for users.

The product is an extension of another RG initiative that FanDuel rolled out toward the end of the NFL’s last regular season. By February, FanDuel found that approximately 3.5 million customers – or around half its user base – utilised that new My Spend responsible gambling platform.

The dashboard provides customers with a detailed breakdown of betting and deposit activity. Armed with insights into their own decision making, a customer can use My Spend as a tool for making deposits within their means.

Empowering customer decision making

The Real-Time Check-In initiative takes it one step further. The product uses machine learning to predict an expected deposit amount per customer that day. In determining an expected value, FanDuel runs through its casino and sportsbook databases in North America.

The algorithms are trained to evaluate a trove of personalised customer data covering deposits and withdrawals, bonusing and wagering activity, according to Jill Watkins, senior commercial director of responsible gaming at FanDuel.

The models are built to respond to fluctuations in gambling volume based on the daily sports calendar, Watkins notes. On a typical NFL Sunday, a customer’s deposit levels will likely exceed every other day of the week, due to the popularity of the sport.

For the most part, deposits tend to be lower during slow periods of the sports calendar, such as a Tuesday evening in the middle of the summer. FanDuel’s models will account for that, Watkins explains.

An opportunity to reset their own behaviour

If a customer makes a wager that is inconsistent with their normal betting patterns, he or she will receive an alert from FanDuel. From there, a customer can review their spending habits, set a deposit limit or lower the original amount.

In early testing, FanDuel noticed that a sizeable number of customers who took part set deposit limits. The trends leave Fox encouraged at players’ awareness in understanding and controlling their own play. FanDuel has offered a limited version of the product in pilot testing for several months.

A key component of the technology centres on the timing of the alert. FanDuel had the luxury of leaning on Sportsbet, its sister brand under Flutter in Australia, in building the technology. Sportsbet has offered its own version of real-time check.

From a tech standpoint, FanDuel faced some hurdles in building the product. For instance, engineers needed to build the system in a way that it fired right away, as soon as a bettor made a deposit attempt.

Nevertheless, Watkins noted that the rollout went “incredibly smoothly” for FanDuel’s first foray into a buildout fraught with real-time complexities. Ultimately, the company’s RG team is intrigued by the possibility of creating proactive safeguards for customers, with a real-time check in the middle of their deposit flow.

FanDuel will make the deposit tool available to customers in every state where it offers online sports betting. It also plans to expand the product to horse racing and daily fantasy sports later this year.

On Monday, share value of Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts – three of Macau’s Big Six casino concessionaires – rose by roughly 8%, 7% and 5%, respectively, Investopedia reported. On the same day, the S&P 500 was up 3%.

Chief executive offers reassurance

The Asia-facing units may also be reassured by comments from Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. At a press conference on Tuesday, Sam said the Chinese special administrative region will not punish American operators for actions out of Washington.

“As long as they follow Macau’s laws and conduct their activities in an orderly and lawful manner, [the operators] are protected and supported” by the SAR, he said.

Sam acknowledged “profound changes reshaping the international geopolitical landscape” and “intensifying competition in the tourism and gaming sectors”. Those factors, along with Macau’s over-reliance on gaming for tax revenue, limits the city’s “capacity to withstand economic shocks”.

He reiterated the call for “appropriate economic diversification fostering the city’s sustainable socioeconomic development”.

The government’s “1+4” plan for growth, established in 2023, emphasises the development of international tourism and hospitality bolstered by four new economic pillars. They include Chinese health, finance, technology and the meetings and convention trade.

In comments before his December retirement, former chief executive Ho Iat-Seng said the government’s goal is not “to compress the gaming industry”. It is, rather, to “grow the pie” by expanding other sectors. Chinese President Xi Jinping has also stressed the importance of “new industries with international competitiveness”.

Casino operators are required to do their part. Through 2023, they must invest a collective MOP130 billion ($16.1 billion) in non-gaming attractions and local infrastructure.

US operators ‘unlikely’ to face ouster

As recently as April, Fitch Ratings warned that American operators in Macau could be “subject to retaliation” by the government due to US-China tensions. The soft Chinese economy was “likely to pressure gaming revenues and earnings”. However, the agency added, “healthy balance sheets and ratings headroom” could mitigate the risks.

Fitch said Sands had “ample rating headroom” and abundant liquidity. MGM and Wynn also had “adequate rating headroom at current levels”.

Moreover, as Sam noted: “Foreign investments are highly welcomed in the Macau SAR. This is one of the goals outlined in my recent policy address. As long as they comply with local regulations, all foreign investments will be protected and supported.”

Presently, the gaming industry contributes about 80% of Macau tax revenue. Wynn, Sands and MGM represent more than half of gross gaming revenue in the jurisdiction. Termination or non-renewal of their licences is “highly unlikely”, per Fitch.

These are two questions that so far have not been answered, despite the transition to a statutory levy for gambling harm already coming into place on 6 April 2025. Given the huge influx of funds that have been decided to be thrown at each of the arms – 50% for gambling harms treatment, 30% for prevention and 20% for research – it is imperative that public and professional confidence in the levy is not lost before the scheme has even begun.

This can only be achieved by publishing a robust set of guidelines to which the government, the levy board, the commissioners and its recipients must adhere. 

When I founded Better Change in 2021, it was due to a frustration that good projects relating to safer gambling within the gambling industry would never see the light of day. This was due to other budget commitments or a lack of business benefit.

How was the previous voluntary fund spent?

At the same time, I was seeing the organisations I worked for signing off huge sums of money as part of their voluntary commitment. Under the rules of the voluntary (RET) scheme, gambling operators were not allowed to influence how this money was spent, and therefore the use of these funds was decided by organisations approved by the Gambling Commission to receive RET donations.

This was overseen in some cases by GambleAware, which used RET funding to commission services, and the Gambling Commission, which had issued guidance to operators and providers of services as to how RET funding should be used.  

The majority of RET funding went to good use creating new treatment services, specialist support for under-represented groups such as women, the military and ethnic minorities as well as awareness campaigns, helplines and peer support services.

Unfortunately, RET funding, as well as funds generated through regulatory settlements, was also used to fund lobbying groups and anti-gambling campaigners. In recent years it has also been used to plug financial holes due to the financial mismanagement of some charities.

This was against the Gambling Commission’s guidance, and its failure to enforce its own rules was extremely frustrating for us at Better Change, where we just wanted to get on with the job we set out to do, which was to effectively prevent gambling harm. 

Ensuring a fair and transparent distribution

Sadly, there is a real threat of history repeating itself as we move to the statutory levy scheme. In a recent parliamentary select committee, public health bodies and researchers continued to discredit the efforts of those on the RET scheme, branding them as “industry players”.

This has to stop. With this sort of behaviour and the fact that as treatment commissioners the NHS will be funding their own services, how can we be assured of a fair and transparent process? For many charities, support services, researchers and education providers, the RET scheme was the only way in which they could be funded to carry out their work.

Previous involvement in the RET scheme should not count against organisations seeking to access the levy. There needs to be a process to ensure that decisions are made without bias or prejudice – a level playing field. Without this, we run the risk of not only misusing public funds but losing the experience and progress made through decades of work to prevent harm. 

‘Little sympathy’ for sector contributing to statutory levy

Gambling harm affects a small minority of players, but it is a huge issue for the individual and therefore should be taken very seriously. Recent statistics from the Gambling Commission and from a 2018 Public Health England report show that problem gambling affects around 0.4% of the population.

This has been as low as 0.2%, but over the course of several years it has trended downwards from 0.7%. New statistics from the Gambling Commission through its Gambling Survey for Great Britain show that rates of harm may be higher as a percentage of the population than we once thought, but there is no evidence to suggest that year on year gambling harm is on the rise.  

This is supported at the sharp end by treatment data from GambleAware that shows a 25% drop in referrals compared to 2019. There will probably be little sympathy for the gambling industry that they have to pay this enormous amount of money into the levy, but we must remember this is public money and we have a duty to ensure that it is well spent.

It is deeply concerning that we are about to throw more than £100 million at something without robust governance or even a justification of why so much money is required. 

AGCO penalises Great Canadian Entertainment

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined Great Canadian Entertainment CA$151,00 (US$108,396) for age verification failures.

The operator is said to have failed to prevent minors from accessing gambling on multiple occasions at three Toronto-area casinos.

AGCO found four separate incidents in which minors gained access to the casino floors and participated in gambling. Two cases occurred at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto and one each at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort.

“We are committed to ensuring casinos meet Ontario’s high standards of harm reduction and responsible gambling,” AGCO said. “This enforcement action underscores the AGCO’s dedication to protecting youth and other vulnerable individuals.”

Great Canadian Entertainment has the right to appeal the decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Dutch regulator issues warning to Betca

Also facing regulatory wrath is Betca, which has been issued a warning by Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands.

KSA said Betca featured a gambling-related advert within its mobile game, Tiny Tower. This was an advert for gambling website Circus.nl.

Dutch law prohibits gambling ads from appearing in non-gambling online games or websites with games. As such, KSA contacted Betca about the breach.

Betca said the advert was accidentally shown as a result of a human error. The operator said it immediately rectified the issue by removing the ad, adding that it was aimed at people who had previously visited Circus.nl and who indicated they were over 24.

KSA opted against further sanctions at this time but said it would continue to monitor Betca.

Bank of Ireland rolls out voluntary gambling blocks

Elsewhere, Bank of Ireland has launched voluntary blocks on debit cards for customers who want to stop spending on gambling.

The feature can be put in place following a customer request. It stops card payments to gambling operators, with intent to block use of online casinos, slot machines and lottery websites.

Customers can request a block on both personal and business debit cards. Bank of Ireland said blocking will also be extended to credit cards in the coming months.

Announcing the tool, Bank of Ireland said 90% of gambling transactions took place online in Q1. It added that 99% of these were funded using debit cards.

Norman to remain as ATG chair

Meanwhile, Sweden’s AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) has announced that Peter Norman is to remain as its chairman.

Norman was reelected at a general meeting last week. He has served as chair since mid-2023.

“I am proud and grateful to continue to lead ATG’s board,” Norman said. “This is a unique year, as for the first time the board is entirely appointed by our owners.”

During the same meeting, three new members were elected to the board: Katarina Bonde, Mårten Forste and Marie Thelander Dellhag. This means that for the first time, the Swedish state does not hold a majority on the board.

Paf links up with Formula 1 legend Kimi Raikkonen

And finally this week, Finnish operator Paf has entered into a new partnership with Formula 1 legend Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen, also from Finland, will work with Paf across a range of initiatives. This includes the operator’s charitable initiatives.

However, the deal remains subject to Paf securing a licence in the new-look Finnish market. Authorities aim to implement a new online licensing system at the beginning of 2027.

“We’re proud to welcome Kimi to the Paf team,” Paf Manager Thomas Näsman said. “He’s a true Finnish icon and we value his honesty and no-nonsense approach, qualities that align perfectly with our brand.”

Raikkonen won the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2007.

The Peru market has since attracted international entrants such as Stake, Rush Street Interactive and Betsson, with Mincetur authorising 60 technology platforms and registering 280 related service providers.

The regulator also claims to have made progress in the fight against black market operators, stating it has removed 15% of illegal sites in Peru and cut the supply of illegal online gambling by 40%.

Mincetur has achieved this through its General Directorate of Casino Games and Slot Machines (DGJCMT) authority, which has “intensified its oversight, closing illegal establishments and promoting coordinated actions to reduce the presence of clandestine platforms”.

DGJCMT has also contacted payment institutions to block transactions and services to illegal gambling operators in Peru.

Can Peru become a LatAm betting leader?

When Law No 31557 came into effect, Peru became just the third country in LatAm to establish clear regulations for online betting after Colombia and Argentina.

Mincetur claims it has positioned itself as a “regional benchmark” for gambling regulation, saying: “This regulation has allowed the digital sector to be formalised, fostering an environment of trust for both operators and users.

“It has also opened up new investment opportunities, boosting the digitalisation of entertainment and strengthening the country’s tax collection.”

Since December last year, 683 new sports betting venues have been registered, bringing the nationwide total to 4,516.

Mincetur has also introduced new measures to promote responsible gambling, such as talks aiming to raise awareness of gambling addiction in educational institutions, as well as training for betting companies.

“Collaboration with gaming associations reinforces the commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring a safe and responsible gaming environment,” Mincetur added.

Consumption tax a concern for the Peru gambling industry

Despite industry commentators predicting Peru will become the third largest online betting market in LatAm, the reintroduction of a consumption tax on the sector has caused concern among the industry over its impact on growth.

The rate is currently 0.3% on every bet placed, although this will increase to 1% from 1 July this year.

Gonzalo Perez, CEO of leading local operator Apuesta Total, fears the consumption tax, on top of the existing 12% GGR tax, will essentially double the burden on betting companies.

In turn, this could drive players and operators into the black market with Nicolás Samohod Rivarola, head of gambling and betting at the Vidal Caceres law firm in Peru, telling iGB: “It would take the tax impact on [licensed operators] to high and burdensome levels, bordering on unconstitutional.

“And it would make many [stakeholders] think about evaluating their [presence] in the Peruvian market.”

The eighth edition of Safer Gambling Week took place from 18-24 November, focusing on promoting responsible betting and sharing best practices. This includes showing more safer gambling messages, both online and inside land-based venues.

The campaign now covers the whole of Europe. In the UK, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Bingo Association and British Amusement Catering Trade Association jointly organise the initiative.

Detailing data from the 2024 edition, the BGC said 1.5 million unique accounts used tools during the week. This comfortably exceeds the previous year.

The number of deposit limits set during the campaign also increased 14% year-on-year. The BGC notes that 47% of players set limits for the first time in the period.

Campaign delivers 7.2 million safer gambling messages

Among other key data, 7.2 million safer gambling messages were sent to consumers across the week. This exceeded the previous year by 10%.

Meanwhile, new records were set on social media. The campaign generated more than 60 million impressions across major platforms X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, up by 21% year-on-year.

In addition, over half a million visits were made to the Safer Gambling Week website during the week. The site provides help and advice and offers guidance on safer gambling tools like deposit limits and timeouts.

“This has proved its worth once again by making a real impact encouraging even more punters to make the most of the broad range of safer gambling tools only available in the regulated sector,” BGC CEO Grainne Hurst said.

“These new figures are a testament to its ongoing success and this industry’s commitment to raising standards and ensuring the millions of customers who enjoy a regular flutter, do so in a safe and responsible environment.”

More support for Safer Gambling Week

Alongside the organisations that run the campaign, the initiative drew support elsewhere.

Cross-party senior MPs and Peers including Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stuart Andrew and Shadow Sport and Gambling Minister Louie French gave their backing to the campaign.

The Gambling Commission and its chief executive, Andrew Rhodes, spoke out in support of the initiative. In addition, Premier League football clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Southampton helped promote the project.

“Our members promote safer gaming every day of the year, but a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector with support from MPs, peers, the regulator and other stakeholders, promotes that work in a uniquely powerful way,” Hurst added.