Weekend Conversation Corner – April, 11
Welcome to the most recent edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. In this edition, we will summarise the key stories that have shaped the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked discussions. Join us as we cut through the clutter to offer a concise summary of the week’s important developments, keeping you informed about what truly matters in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Fernando Saffores – Founder and CEO at Focus Gaming News
Alarming report warns UK gamblers turning to black market due to regulatory friction
A study by the gambling harm awareness charity, Deal Me Out, reveals that influencer marketing and regulatory controls are driving British gamblers to black market sites. The report highlights the lack of legal cryptocurrency wagering as a factor in this migration. It estimates that up to 420,000 school children may be using black market gambling, particularly through loot boxes in video games. Influencers feel compelled to promote unlicensed sites to stay competitive, with some resorting to using VPNs to access blocked sites. The report recommends urgent action to combat black market gambling, including public awareness campaigns and a review of crypto gambling. The Gambling Commission has updated its guidelines to address emerging threats like AI-generated false documents and criminal activity in the gambling sector.
Hawaii Senate approves online sports betting bill
The article discusses the progress of a bill in Hawaii to legalise online sports betting. The bill, HB 1308, has passed the state Senate and will now go back to the House for final approval. The amended version includes changes to tax rates, license fees, and regulatory oversight. If the House agrees with the Senate’s changes, the bill will be sent to Governor Josh Green for signing into law. The bill allows for a minimum of four sports betting platforms to be licensed by 2025, with a 10 per cent tax rate on revenues. The Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement will regulate the market, replacing the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This bill marks a significant step in Hawaii, a state with no legal gambling, following the rejection of a proposal to legalise casino gambling earlier this year.
Italian regulator updates technical rules for gambling systems verification
The Italian ADM has updated technical rules for gambling system verification to ensure compliance with new IT system requirements. Operators must undergo checks by independent verification bodies to ensure secure, fair, and transparent operations. Guidelines include modular design, data security measures, real-time monitoring, disaster recovery plans, and certified RNGs. Systems must log users out after 20 minutes of inactivity and restore game state upon return. ODVs must document verification process details. In other news, CJEU will hear a challenge to Italy’s ban on gambling ads, and ruled in favor of Italian bingo operators regarding license extensions. The ADM must create a new framework for bingo concessions to ensure equal treatment of competitors. More information is available on the ADM’s portal.
Brazilian gambling operators ordered to register on consumer rights platform
The article discusses the requirement for all SPA-licensed online gambling operators in Brazil to register on the SENACON platform at Consumidor.gov.br. This platform will allow players to resolve disputes with operators through a free public service. Operators must comply with the rules of the platform to avoid penalties. Players can lodge complaints directly on the platform, and operators must respond within 10 days. SENACON emphasises transparency and efficiency in resolving consumer complaints. The article also mentions the collaboration between SPA and SENACON to monitor gambling licensees’ conduct. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance plans to block welfare recipients from online gambling to prevent misuse of benefits. The article highlights the importance of protecting consumer rights and ensuring compliance with legal standards in the online gambling industry in Brazil.
British Gambling Commission to collaborate with new Irish gambling regulator
The British Gambling Commission and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on regulatory issues. The agreement was made as CEOs Andrew Rhodes and Anne Marie Caulfield met in Dublin. The MoU outlines cooperation principles, including sharing information to enhance regulatory responsibilities. Caulfield emphasised the importance of open dialogue and cooperation between the jurisdictions. The GRAI, chaired by Paul Quinn, began supervisory duties on March 5 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Operators and suppliers were invited to register interest for Irish gambling licenses, which will cover various categories such as remote betting, gaming, and lottery. The regulator aims to open a licensing portal by the end of the year.
Ernie Stevens Jr re-elected as Indian Gaming Association chairman
Ernie Stevens Jr has been re-elected for a 13th term as chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) with unanimous support from tribal leadership. The election took place during the 2025 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego, California. Under Stevens’ leadership, Indian gaming revenues have grown significantly from $11bn in 2000 to over $49.1bn in 2024, making Tribal Government Gaming the largest segment of the US gaming industry. The IGA is celebrating its 40th anniversary, recognising its advocacy for Indian Country. Stevens, a former councilman for the Oneida Nation and vice president of the Congress of American Indians, remains dedicated to advancing tribal sovereignty and promoting excellence in Indian gaming. He vows to continue championing tribal interests and serving as a messenger for elected tribal officials.
SiGMA Americas Awards: Focus Gaming News clinches sixth consecutive “Best igaming Media” Award
Focus Gaming News has once again been recognised at the SiGMA Awards as the most authoritative source of information in the gaming industry. The fourth edition of the SiGMA Americas Awards took place in São Paulo, where Focus Gaming News received the “Best igaming Media of the Year” award for the sixth time. The publication is known for its in-depth reporting, regional perspective, and up-to-date coverage of regulation, legislation, and market trends, reaching a global audience of over 15,000 subscribers. The ceremony celebrated excellence across 26 categories, with winners selected through public votes and expert input. The event featured traditional Brazilian entertainment and recognised companies like Altenar, 1xBet, and Fast Track for their achievements. SiGMA Americas attracted over 18,000 delegates and highlighted Brazil as a key market in the Latin American gaming sector.
