Cyprus National Betting Authority (NBA) announced during a press conference, earlier this week, that it will conduct a gambling survey for the first time in order to evaluate the habits of Cypriot players and to determine the “frequency of participation” in games. NBA Chairwoman, Ioanna Fiakou, stated: “The authority has commissioned Insights Market Research (IMR) […]

Cyprus National Betting Authority (NBA) announced during a press conference, earlier this week, that it will conduct a gambling survey for the first time in order to evaluate the habits of Cypriot players and to determine the “frequency of participation” in games.

NBA Chairwoman, Ioanna Fiakou, stated: “The authority has commissioned Insights Market Research (IMR) Ltd to conduct a quantitative survey by interviewing 3 000 individuals, in order to study and investigate the Cypriot public’s extent of participation in games of chance,”

“The survey’s goals focus on recording the extent of participation in gambling activities, identifying the extent of problematic participation among the public, studying gamblers’ social and demographic traits, the frequency with which they engage in gambling, and their budgeted and real spending in gambling.”

Personal interviews will start today, October 25th, and will last until the end of December, among 3 000 randomly selected individuals of the age groups of 13th to 17th, 18th to 34th, 35th to 49th year old, 50 to 64years old and above 65 years old.

At least 1,208 people will be interviewed in Nicosia, 863 in Limassol, 516 in Larnaca, 257 in Paphos and 166 in Famagusta, according to Fiakou.

“The goal of separation by age group is that the authority will seek to take all necessary measures for each group and recommend the appropriate measures to the competent authorities,” Fiakou said.

The Swedish Online gambling provider Betsson AB has announced a partnership with the bookmaker BetConstruct, by integrating BetConstruct’s sportsbook in the Spanish market with full access to pre-match and live betting coverage, offering huge betting opportunities. Betsson’s Managing Director for Southern Europe & Latin America, Andrea Rossi, said: “We are happy to be partnering with […]

The Swedish Online gambling provider Betsson AB has announced a partnership with the bookmaker BetConstruct, by integrating BetConstruct’s sportsbook in the Spanish market with full access to pre-match and live betting coverage, offering huge betting opportunities.

Betsson’s Managing Director for Southern Europe & Latin America, Andrea Rossi, said:
“We are happy to be partnering with BetConstruct for our new sportsbook venture in Spain. BetConstruct is already integrated with our existing technology provider in this market. We have confidence in the product and its functionality. With BetConstruct we will shorten our time to the market and they will help us deliver on our entry plans”

BetConstruct’s Regional Director in Malta, Kristina Hambardzumyan, stated:
“We are thrilled to seal a partnership with Betsson group to provide our state-of-the-art Sportsbook to their new venture in Spain. Betsson group is known as a company providing to its customers the best products in the industry and choosing BetConstruct as sportsbook provider for the Spanish market emphasises their good taste in gaming”

Intralot Group has announced the stock purchase agreement to acquire the remaining 65 per cent of gaming technology company Bit8. With this move Intralot Group becomes full shareholder of the company. Bit8 Founder Angelo Dalli, will remain in the Board of Directors of Bit8 as per the company. Intralot Group invested in Bit8 for the […]

Intralot Group has announced the stock purchase agreement to acquire the remaining 65 per cent of gaming technology company Bit8.
With this move Intralot Group becomes full shareholder of the company.

Bit8 Founder Angelo Dalli, will remain in the Board of Directors of Bit8 as per the company. Intralot Group invested in Bit8 for the first time in July 2015, purchased a 35% stake in the business.

Antonios Kerastaris, Chief Executive of Intralot Group, stated:
“I am very excited to complete the acquisition of Bit8 by Intralot at the end of a two-year joint product development partnership.”
“PULSE has become a major pillar of our Digital Transformation strategy for Lottery Modernisation and a strategic asset in our product portfolio.”

“Bit8 becomes a full member of the Intralot family, carrying enormous promise for future growth and product development by playing an important role in the successful deployment of our ‘All About the Player’ product design strategy.”

Angelo Dalli, added: “I am thrilled for the success of our cooperation with Intralot and today’s development that promises to bring a new cycle of growth, portfolio enhancement, and international recognition for Bit8.”

“Like every founder who has worked hard for the creation of a successful company I am proud about the company’s evolution and look forward to our future cooperation to reach new targets.”

The Government of Belgium has received the approval of Council of Ministers to introduce restrictions on the gambling advertising code including a blanket ban on gambling promotions during live sports broadcasts. The Council of Ministers have approved the new gambling advertising standards code by Christian Democrat CDV MP Koen Geens, the Belgian Justice Minister, as […]

The Government of Belgium has received the approval of Council of Ministers to introduce restrictions on the gambling advertising code including a blanket ban on gambling promotions during live sports broadcasts.

The Council of Ministers have approved the new gambling advertising standards code by Christian Democrat CDV MP Koen Geens, the Belgian Justice Minister, as reported by the Belgian Media.

Among the new restrictions, the minimum age for online gambling will be 21 years old and there will be a complete ban on betting and gambling advertising during live sports events before 8pm.

Additionally, any betting and gambling advertising will not be allowed 15 minutes before, after and during any programming aimed primarily for children. Also, it will be prohibited from advertising on sports equipment of youth sports teams and leagues.

According to the latest Greek reports, the Syriza Government is seeking to reform the Greek gambling industry by cutting down the taxes on casino gambling in order to attract international companies. Last Monday, eKathimerini published a report stating that according to sources, “a bill will tabled in the next few weeks” and it will contain […]

According to the latest Greek reports, the Syriza Government is seeking to reform the Greek gambling industry by cutting down the taxes on casino gambling in order to attract international companies.

Last Monday, eKathimerini published a report stating that according to sources, “a bill will tabled in the next few weeks” and it will contain a “new tax status for gaming tables and slot machines”.

As per the report, “the government has received proposals from institutions that foresee a mixed system that would bring down the tax rate on gross turnover from 30-37 percent (depending on the case) to 25 percent or even lower.”

One of the goals of the reform is the bailout program aimed at licensing a casino at Elliniko and the relocation of the Regency Mont Parnes casino to a location near Athens.

Switzerland’s parliament has passed a final vote on the Switzerland’s Money Gaming Act, ending the process for the new legislation that began in 2014. The Money Gaming Act will replace the outdated 1923 Lotteries and Betting Act and the 1998 Gambling Act. Under the new Money Gaming Act, the country is modernizing the current gaming […]

Switzerland’s parliament has passed a final vote on the Switzerland’s Money Gaming Act, ending the process for the new legislation that began in 2014. The Money Gaming Act will replace the outdated 1923 Lotteries and Betting Act and the 1998 Gambling Act.

Under the new Money Gaming Act, the country is modernizing the current gaming laws by legalizing the online gambling as well as the land-based casinos, but only locals with land-based facilities will be able to operate online casino sites.

According to a recent report, there has been some opposition to the new Act by three organisations, the Swiss People’s Party, the Green Liberal Party and the Free Democratic Party, which are up to organise a referendum against the Act’s clause which requires the ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to prevent international operators from accessing Swiss customers.

In order for the legislation to be brought up for a referendum, they need to gather 50 000 signatures from citizens in 100 days.

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has published a press release last Monday noting that is set to further control social gambling as it can facilitate the spread of unlicensed and illicit online gambling and could also cause addiction to gambling on vulnerable players. KSA said: “Because social games and games of chance have many similar […]

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has published a press release last Monday noting that is set to further control social gambling as it can facilitate the spread of unlicensed and illicit online gambling and could also cause addiction to gambling on vulnerable players.

KSA said: “Because social games and games of chance have many similar game features, it is not always clear to players where social games stop and games of chance start”.

A report from the US research firm SuperDara Research showed that from October 2016 to January 2017 the 50% of respondents under the age of 24 have switched from social gaming to real-money online gambling. All other age groups did not have such high rates.

The Dutch Regulator will adjust the regulations to limiting all possible hazards.

The Maltese authorities after evaluating the proposals of the new Gambling Law of Cyprus, they have delayed it as they have to share a detailed opinion on the new regime. Αlthough the proposals are being evaluating by the European Commission, Malta as one of the pioneers on the iGaming in Europe must also give an […]

The Maltese authorities after evaluating the proposals of the new Gambling Law of Cyprus, they have delayed it as they have to share a detailed opinion on the new regime.

Αlthough the proposals are being evaluating by the European Commission, Malta as one of the pioneers on the iGaming in Europe must also give an opinion on the plan along with other Member States.

The three-month suspension period where the European Commission and the certain Member States have reviewed the local bill and examined whether or not the plan creates obstacles to the free movement of goods and services in breach of the European Union, seemed to be not enough and it has been prolonged until December following the submission of Malta.

Cyprus has proposed a comprehensive plan for the regulation of the Cyprus national iGaming market by “remedying several earlier infringements with the 2012 law identified by the EC, including one related to local ISPs’ obligations in relation to blacklisting and website blocking.”

As per the official statement presented in June 2017 to the EU Commission, the plan suggests a 10% tax on the net income from players in Cyprus plus an additional 1% contribution of net revenue to responsible gambling initiatives and 2% to support the sports organizations in Cyprus.

The Trinidad and Tobago Government decided to double the gaming operator taxes by January 2018 and the T&T Gaming operators are protesting and they are ready to respond to this decision in every lawful manner. While some international casino operators are threatening to pull out of Trinidad & Tobago, six small casinos have already closed […]

The Trinidad and Tobago Government decided to double the gaming operator taxes by January 2018 and the T&T Gaming operators are protesting and they are ready to respond to this decision in every lawful manner.

While some international casino operators are threatening to pull out of Trinidad & Tobago, six small casinos have already closed down.

The president of the Private Members’ Club Association (TTPMA), Sherry Persad commented that “thousands that will be affected by this inhumane increase”. “The Government cannot continue to proceed with the deluded concept that taxation is a revenue generating option for our nation,”

“Over the last year, various stakeholders have been in communication with the Ministry of Finance and participating with the JSC in developing relevant and fair gaming legislation that will regulate the industry, yet without any notice or consultation the taxes on the industry was dramatically increased,” she added.

The changes will take place and be enforced by January 2018.

Switzerland’s Parliament members is reported to have agreed on a compromise over taxes on winnings from lotteries and sporting bets, replacing the country’s existing gambling laws with a new Money Gaming Act, which deals with new online markets. As per the new Money Gaming Act, lotteries and sporting bets would be taxed only when winnings […]

Switzerland’s Parliament members is reported to have agreed on a compromise over taxes on winnings from lotteries and sporting bets, replacing the country’s existing gambling laws with a new Money Gaming Act, which deals with new online markets.

As per the new Money Gaming Act, lotteries and sporting bets would be taxed only when winnings cross CHF1 million. Also, only the local land based casinos will be able to apply for online gaming licenses. The main objective of the law is to combat fraud.

With the new legislation, Switzerland will be replace the outdated 1923 Lotteries and Betting Act and the 1998 Gambling Act.

This new Money Gaming Act is now head to parliament for a final vote before being adopted into law.

According to the Times of Malta, the government may soon begin a ‘sandbox test’, a trial rollout of cryptocurrency to test regulations and legislative measures before giving the green light to the Malta-licensed online gambling sites to accept digital currencies. The test will be conducted by the auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) which will be able […]

According to the Times of Malta, the government may soon begin a ‘sandbox test’, a trial rollout of cryptocurrency to test regulations and legislative measures before giving the green light to the Malta-licensed online gambling sites to accept digital currencies.

The test will be conducted by the auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) which will be able to manage and estimate the pros and cons of the virtual currency to the best of its abilities.

“The idea is that virtual currency would be introduced within a controlled framework to test proposed controls and legislation but without there being any bearing on the wider local economy.” sources said.

Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta, will review the results. Dr Muscat’s spokesman told the Times of Malta that he wants to make Malta the “blockchain capital of Europe”. The spokesman added “We would like to be the first country to regulate crypto-currency and blockchain”.

Joseph Cuschieri, MGA’s Executive Chairman, told the Times of Malta that it is now time for Malta to do something about the new form of money. “In this respect, Cryptocurrencies present us with a double-edged sword, combining opportunity with significant risks,” he added.

The UK Labour Party proposed a new tax on the gaming industry where the gambling operators will be funding National Health Service treatment for gambling addicts as the number of problem gamblers has been risen in the UK. According to a Gambling Commission report, 2 million people in the UK are addicted to problem gambling […]

The UK Labour Party proposed a new tax on the gaming industry where the gambling operators will be funding National Health Service treatment for gambling addicts as the number of problem gamblers has been risen in the UK. According to a Gambling Commission report, 2 million people in the UK are addicted to problem gambling or are at a risk of developing an addiction.

Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, said during Labour’s annual conference in Brighton this week:
“The number of problem gamblers in this country has risen by a third in just three years. Two million people are either problem gamblers or at risk of addiction. Children and young people are being targeted by betting advertisers more than ever.”

Watson claimed that “Gambling addiction is an illness and it is about time it was taken seriously.”

He added: “Our review will look at how to best fund National Health Service treatment and help free problem gamblers from the destructive cycle of addiction.”

Watson also renewed his call for preventing gambling advertising on the shirts of English football teams.
He said: “My message to gambling firms today is clear: stop targeting vulnerable people. Start acting properly. And meet your obligation to help those whose lives have been blighted by addiction.You can do it now, because it’s the right thing to do. Or you can wait for the next Labour government to do it for you.”