Weekend Conversation Corner – April, 18
Welcome to the newest installment 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. As we sift through the flurry of events to bring you a focused summary, we will delve into the key stories that have influenced discussions, policies, and narratives. Join us as we cut through the distractions to present a concise snapshot of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed on what truly matters in today’s rapidly changing world.
Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Fernando Saffores – Founder and CEO at Focus Gaming News
Time running out for Hawaii sports betting bill after House rejection of amendments
The Hawaii House of Representatives rejected Senate amendments to HB 1308, sending the bill to a conference committee for resolution. The proposed legislation allows for a minimum of four sports betting platforms and legalizes fantasy sports with a 10% tax rate on revenues. The Department of Law Enforcement would regulate the market instead of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Governor Josh Green supports the bill with adequate protections, but if no agreement is reached by May 1, online sports betting in Hawaii will have to wait for the next legislative session. Hawaii currently has no legal gambling, as a previous proposal to legalize casino gambling was deferred in February.
North Carolina proposes doubling online sports betting tax
The North Carolina Senate is proposing to double the sports betting tax rate from 18 to 36 per cent in a budget proposal. If approved, North Carolina would have the third-highest tax rate in the US, tying with Pennsylvania. The budget proposal, SB 257, aims to address a possible budget deficit from 2026 with a $32bn to $33bn budget. Committees have approved the budget, and the Senate is expected to finalize it by Thursday for House review. Mobile sports wagering launched in North Carolina in March 2024, with significant betting activity generating over $135m in tax revenue in the first year. March 2025 set a new record for monthly betting handle with $685m in wagers.
British gambling levy rates confirmed for each vertical
The Gambling Commission in the UK has released the new British gambling levy rates, effective from April 6 as part of the 2023 Gambling White Paper reforms. Online gambling operators will pay the highest rate of 1.1% of gross gambling revenue, while land-based casinos and retail betting operators will pay 0.5%. The levy will be calculated based on gross gambling yield and must be paid annually by October 1, with failure to pay resulting in licence revocation. The levy replaces voluntary donations to GambleAware and aims to raise £100m annually for gambling harm research and treatment. Additionally, new rules banning bonus mixing and capping bonus requirements for licensed operators will come into effect on December 19. Promotions combining different types of gambling products will be prohibited, and online bonus wagering requirements will be limited to 10 times the bonus amount.
Swedish regulator shines light on origins of unlicensed gambling operations
Spelinspektionen’s study reveals that a small number of players in Sweden seek out black market gambling sites without local licenses, with Curaçao and Anjouan being key jurisdictions. Third countries accounted for 45% of traffic to unlicensed sites, with Curaçao representing 38% and Anjouan 5%. Additionally, skin betting sites within Sweden contributed to 41% of traffic to unlicensed sites. The regulator has taken action against operators in Curaçao and calls for more powers to combat illegal gambling. The Swedish gambling market was liberalized in 2019, ending the monopoly of Svenska Spel. The government has announced the closure of its land-based casino business, Casino Cosmopol. Spelinspektionen emphasizes the need for stricter regulations to address illegal gambling effectively.
Michigan regulator opens investigations into unlicensed sports prediction platforms
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is investigating unlicensed sports prediction markets, citing concerns about consumer protections and the integrity of the legal sports betting system in Michigan. Unregulated platforms may expose residents to risks such as fraud, identity theft, and inadequate data security. The MGCB emphasizes the importance of consumer protection and responsible gaming, stating that sports betting should be seen as entertainment, not a financial investment. The regulator recently took action against 13 offshore gambling websites targeting Michigan residents without state licenses. Executive Director Henry Williams reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring safe and legal sports betting options for Michigan bettors.
