Weekend Conversation Corner – June, 20
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. We will discuss the key stories that have impacted the narrative, influenced policies, and sparked conversations as we distil the week’s events into a clear and focused summary.
Join us as we sift through the noise and offer a condensed look at the week’s important 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!
ATG makes official complaint against Veikkaus ahead of Finnish gambling market opening
ATG has filed a complaint against Veikkaus, the state-controlled Finnish gambling operator, for allegedly abusing its dominant position as the country’s gambling market is set to open up in 2027. ATG planned to enter the market in a joint venture with Suomen Hippos, but is now upset as Veikkaus is scaling back its existing partnership. Veikkaus is accused of using its player database of over 2.6 million people to gain an unfair advantage over newcomers. Meanwhile, Veikkaus has raised concerns over suspiciously high bets on floorball games in Finland, suspecting insider information may have been used by league players and officials. Veikkaus has informed relevant authorities about its findings.
Online casino revenue continues to drive growth in Denmark’s gambling sector
Danish gambling revenue increased by 11.6 per cent year-on-year in April, with online casino revenue driving growth. Total gaming revenue reached DKK665m, up 4.7 per cent from the previous month. Online casinos generated DKK331m, with slots accounting for the majority of revenue. Sports betting revenue rose by 6.1 per cent, with mobile platforms contributing over 70 per cent. Land-based slot machine revenue fell, but land-based bingo was introduced this year. The number of registrations on the self-exclusion system reached 60,325. Anders Dorph was appointed as the new chair of the Gambling Regulators’ European Forum.
Jim Ananich, MGCB: “My focus is on supporting the board’s mission to maintain integrity and transparency in Michigan’s gaming industry”
Focus Gaming News interviewed Jim Ananich, the new Chairman of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, who discussed his priorities in his new role. Ananich aims to maintain integrity and transparency in Michigan’s gaming industry, focusing on consumer protections and responsible gaming initiatives. Michigan saw significant growth in igaming and online sports betting revenue in 2024, with forecasts suggesting continued growth in 2025. The MGCB is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices through expanded funding, enhanced regulatory capacity, and public awareness campaigns. The agency also continues to fight against illegal gambling, issuing cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed operators. Ananich acknowledges the challenges ahead, including combating illegal offshore gambling, addressing emerging betting forms, ensuring responsible gaming practices, and expanding regulatory capacity. He is dedicated to supporting the agency in maintaining a safe and transparent gaming environment in Michigan.
Ukrainian gambling operators collaborate to develop software to identify unlicensed casinos
Multiple Ukrainian gambling operators have formed an alliance to combat unregulated online gambling in the country by developing software to monitor the sector. The group, consisting of operators with internal IT capabilities and 900 tech staff, aims to identify unlicensed platforms, especially those from Russia, mimicking licensed Ukrainian operators. They are working with the new Ukrainian gambling regulator, PlayCity, and the Security Service of Ukraine to integrate the tool into the national monitoring system. PlayCity also plans to digitise the licensing process and relaunch the problem gambler register through the Diia app. The head of PlayCity, Hennadiy Novikov, is a lawyer with public administration experience, tasked with modernising gambling regulation in Ukraine.
Bulgaria proposes new restrictions for online gambling
The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Healthcare in Bulgaria have proposed new rules for online gambling, including loss limits and session time limits based on player age. Operators would need to limit gaming sessions to four hours for over 24s and two hours for under 24s, with the option for players to request extensions or reductions. Players would also have to set a 24-hour loss limit, displayed on platforms, with automatic exclusion for seven days if reached. Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov believes Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone in 2026 will help combat unlicensed gambling by increasing scrutiny on financial flows. This move follows Bulgaria’s recent entry into the Schengen zone and plans to adopt the euro next year.
