The UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced today the options to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to between £2 and £50 to protect vulnerable gamblers. Currently, high-speed electronic casino games called ‘crack cocaine’ machines, allow punters to place bets of £100 every 20 seconds. Gambling […]

The UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced today the options to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to between £2 and £50 to protect vulnerable gamblers.

Currently, high-speed electronic casino games called ‘crack cocaine’ machines, allow punters to place bets of £100 every 20 seconds.

Gambling Minister, Tracey Crouch, said in the introduction to the review: “This consultation brings forward a package of proposals which responds to strong evidence and public concerns about the risks of high stakes gambling on the high street, with the aim of enhancing player protections on gambling machines that enable high rates of loss in short periods of time.”

“We are consulting on regulatory changes to the maximum stake, looking at options between £50 and £2, in order to reduce the potential for large session losses and therefore to the potentially harmful impact on the player and their wider communities,”

“It is vital that we strike the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting the most vulnerable, including children, from gambling-related harm. We have seen online gambling grow rapidly and we need to protect players in this space, while also making sure those experiencing harm relating to gambling receive the help they need.”

“Given the strong evidence and public concerns about the risks of high stakes gaming machines on the high street, we are convinced of the need for action. That is why today we have set out a package of proposals to ensure all consumers and wider communities are protected,”

As part of the government review:

The Gambling Commission – the industry’s regulator – will consult on changes to protect online players.

Broadcasters, advertisers, industry and support groups will draw up an advertising campaign to promote responsible gambling, with an annual budget of up to £7m.

New advertising guidelines will be drawn up, to protect problem gamblers, children and young people.

Access by under-18s to gambling content and channels on social media will be restricted.

Gambling companies are being told to step up funding for research, education and treatment. If they don’t, operators may face a levy.

Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, described the review as “deeply disappointing”.

A consultation period of 12 weeks will follow to determine the decision.

The Malysian Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that changes will be made in the country’s Common Gaming House Act 1953, in order to fight illegal gambling. Zahid stated: “The (Home) Ministry, together with the police, are working with the Attorney-General’s office to see if a full change (is needed) to […]

The Malysian Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that changes will be made in the country’s Common Gaming House Act 1953, in order to fight illegal gambling.

Zahid stated: “The (Home) Ministry, together with the police, are working with the Attorney-General’s office to see if a full change (is needed) to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 to reflect new elements in gambling crime,”

“Special attention should be given to improve the online gambling law because online gambling activities, which can be done via smartphones, are fast becoming rampant right now.”

“We are also collaborating with Interpol to create a firewall for telcos to prevent this from spreading,”

“We have deported 416 China nationals believed to be involved in the Macau scam syndicate, and efforts are being intensified to investigate 100 other suspects before they can be deported to their countries of origin,”

“Of the total, Selangor and Penang recorded the highest number of raids,”

As per the Deputy Prime Minister, that authorities had carried out 5,913 operations mounted nationwide since last September.

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.