Weekend Conversation Corner – March, 21
Welcome to the most recent instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we delve into the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. In this concise recap, we will highlight the key stories that have made an impact, influenced decision-making, and sparked conversations. Join us as we cut through the clutter to provide a brief overview of the week’s significant events, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep on gaming. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Fernando Saffores – Founder and CEO at Focus Gaming News
Bill to legalise casinos in South Carolina gets bipartisan support
The article discusses a proposal for a $1bn casino resort in Santee, Orangeburg, South Carolina, which may face opposition from the Catawba Nation. The state House is considering the I-95 Economic and Education Stimulus Act to allow land-based casinos in impoverished counties along Interstate 95. The bill, presented by Republican representative Christopher Murphy, has bipartisan support and aims to boost the economy of rural areas. However, the proposal could lead to a dispute with the Catawba Nation, who have plans to open their own casino in South Carolina. The bill would establish a gaming commission to award casino licenses and oversee operations, with the potential for sports betting legislation. The Santee Development Corporation’s project in Santee includes a hotel, spa, and retail spaces, aiming to create jobs and generate tax revenue.
David Forman, AGA: “March Madness is the biggest betting event of the year in the United States”
David Forman, VP of research at the American Gaming Association, discussed with Focus Gaming News the potential record increase in betting for March Madness 2025. The AGA estimates that US gamblers will legally wager $3.1bn on college basketball tournaments. March Madness is a significant event in the US, with over 100 games played across both men’s and women’s tournaments. Factors contributing to the growth in betting include new markets opening up, increased interest in legal sports betting, and the competitiveness of this year’s tournament. The AGA is reinforcing responsible gaming practices through its “Have A Game Plan” campaign, including setting a budget and keeping betting social. Technology is shaping how fans engage with March Madness, with opportunities for live betting and new betting options emerging each year.
Portuguese online gambling revenue crosses €1bn mark
Online gambling in Portugal has seen significant growth, with annual revenue surpassing €1bn for the first time in 2024. The sector experienced a 42 per cent increase in revenue, reaching €1.07bn, with betting volume hitting €19.5bn and player winnings at €18.5bn. Q4 set a quarterly record with gross revenue of €323m, driven by a 90 per cent increase in sports betting revenue and a 19.5 per cent rise in games of chance revenue. There were 30 active online gambling licenses, with 1.23 million active players and 4.7 million registered players, mostly under 45 years old. Gambling taxes totalled €357m, up by a third from the previous year. Land-based gambling revenue only rose by 0.67 per cent to €272m, with slots contributing the most. CIRSA recently acquired a 68 per cent stake in CasinoPortugal, a major player in the Portuguese market.
New Irish gambling regulator to vet executives as part of licensing process
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) plans to enforce strict penalties for breaches of Irish gambling regulations. CEO Anne Marie Caulfield stated that the GRAI will vet senior executives of companies applying for Irish gambling licenses and use a full range of enforcement powers for player protection. The GRAI, established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, will create a national gambling exclusion register and oversee a Social Impact Fund funded by a mandatory levy on operators. The GRAI will also monitor advertising rules, including a ban on gambling ads during certain hours, and work alongside the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland. Caulfield emphasized the GRAI’s focus on addressing problem gambling, particularly among minors, and highlighted the link between gambling and suicide. The GRAI will also introduce new licensing requirements for charities and organizations running lotteries and raffles in the future.
New Croatian gambling regulations could cause up to 15% drop in venues
The Croatian government is set to implement new gambling legislation by early 2026, with stricter player protection measures, increased fees and taxes, and restrictions on advertising. Both online and retail locations will require mandatory player identification and a national self-exclusion scheme will be established. Advertising will be limited on television, radio, and media platforms, with potential bans in public places and print media. A new regulatory agency will monitor operators for compliance, with penalties for infringements. Land-based venues will face controls to improve player protection, including distance requirements from educational and religious sites. License fees and tax rates will increase, with winnings taxed on a sliding scale. The reforms aim to raise additional revenue for addiction prevention and treatment, education, and social activities. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković is leading the push for tougher regulations to address gambling addiction concerns.
Tage Pettersen: “Norway is a gambling nation; I think the market is larger than the population would suggest”
The article discusses the possibility of Norway moving away from its state gambling monopoly and towards a competitive regulated market. Høyre MP Tage Pettersen advocates for opening the gambling market to competition to improve player protection and learn from neighbouring countries like Sweden and Denmark. While public support for Norsk Tipping remains strong, there is growing interest in liberalizing the market. Pettersen believes that if there is political support, Norway could make advances similar to Finland in introducing a licensing system. He also sees potential for Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto to thrive in an open market. Overall, the focus is on creating systems to better address problem gambling.
