Weekend Conversation Corner – July, 18
Welcome to the most recent edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief examination of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we condense the flurry of events into a focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have shaped the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a concise overview of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed about what truly matters in today’s rapidly changing world.
Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. And have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Danish gambling regulator announces new restrictions or targeted promotions
Spillemyndigheden, the Danish gambling regulator, has updated guidelines for licensed operators regarding marketing and sales promotions. Operators are prohibited from targeting inactive players with promotional offers and must ensure that the value of a single promotion does not exceed DKK 1,000. The guidelines also emphasise the importance of providing accurate information about the probability of winning and promoting gambling as entertainment rather than a means to wealth or social status. Additionally, promotional campaigns must include eligibility criteria, playthrough requirements, time limits, and caps on winnings. Operators are required to consult the national self-exclusion register before sending marketing materials. Recent statistics show a 19.5 per cent increase in Danish gambling revenue in May, with online casino revenue growing by 40.1 per cent compared to the previous year.
Svenska Spel reports steady gaming revenue amid Casino Cosmopol closure
Despite the closure of its last land-based casino, Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm, state-controlled gambling operator Svenska Spel reported steady gaming revenue in the first half of the year. Revenue remained at SEK 3.68 billion, with online revenue rising by 5 per cent. However, operating profit for the six months fell by 17 per cent due to an increase in Swedish gambling tax. Revenue from sportsbook and Lotto products increased by 1 per cent in the second quarter, while the Vegas slots business saw a 13 per cent decline. CEO Anna Johnson emphasised the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, responsible gaming and sustainable growth, as well as its shift towards digital engagement. The closure of the last land-based casino marks the end of an era for land-based gambling in Sweden, as there are no plans to issue new licences.
Ukraine begins work on national monitoring system for gaming
The Ministry of Digital Transformation in Ukraine is launching a national digital system to monitor licensed gambling activities. The system will enable real-time tracking of bets and provide access to wager data and market statistics. An online public consultation has been scheduled for July 21, to which IT companies have been invited. Licensed operators are working alongside regulatory bodies to combat unlicensed gambling, and the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators is playing a pivotal role in these efforts. The association’s goal is to promote transparency and eliminate illegal market participants. This government initiative follows the operational launch of PlayCity, the new Ukrainian gambling regulator. It is estimated that a significant proportion of Ukraine’s gambling market is currently operating illegally, resulting in potential annual fiscal losses of up to UAH10bn.
British MP calls for gambling tax hike
Labour MP Alex Ballinger has called for an increase in gambling taxes in the UK to address the issue of gambling-related harm. He believes that the current mandatory gambling levy is insufficient, and that higher taxes are required to fund research, education and treatment for those affected by gambling addiction. He opposes the government’s proposal for a new single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty, arguing that different types of gambling should be taxed differently in order to prevent companies from promoting the more harmful forms. However, the Betting and Gaming Council warns that a tax hike could drive players to unregulated black market sites. Current tax rates vary for different gambling activities: the Remote Gaming Duty is 21 per cent; the General Betting Duty ranges from 3 to 15 per cent; and the Pool Betting Duty is 15 per cent. The proposed RBGD would maintain the Place of Consumption principle established in 2014, which requires operators to pay UK taxes if their customers are in the UK.
Dutch gambling regulator finds only minor breaches of new sponsorship ban
The Netherlands’ Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has reported no complaints regarding the implementation of the gambling sponsorship ban in sports, which came into effect on July 1.
The regulator has warned operators against finding loopholes to circumvent the ban, citing the example of Belgium, where clubs replaced gambling logos with those of other companies. Minor violations, such as the sale of merchandise bearing gambling logos, were encountered in the first week, and warning letters were issued for non-compliance. The ban marks the completion of the phased prohibition of non-targeted gambling advertising, and a transitional period has been granted to clubs to allow them to adjust to the new regulations. Gambling providers have been reminded of their responsibility to comply with the ban, even if the material is created by external parties.
