Weekend Conversation Corner – November, 14
Welcome to the newest issue of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief dive into the top headlines of the week that have captured global interest. As we condense the flurry of events into a concise summary, we will delve into the key stories that have shaped the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the chaos and provide a condensed snapshot of the week’s crucial advancements, keeping you informed on what really counts in today’s swiftly changing world.
Stay knowledgeable, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!
New regime begins for online gambling in Italy with “smooth and decisive reset”
The Italian regulator has activated 52 new online gambling licenses, marking the start of a new era for one of Europe’s largest gambling markets. The Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) in Italy activated the licenses, resulting in the closure of hundreds of websites as skins are no longer permitted. Each operator can only run one domain under a license, with 46 operators now live on the regulated Italian online gambling market. The licenses cost €7m each, generating €364m for the state. The new regime includes tighter compliance requirements and player safeguards, such as player registration through Italy’s SPID digital ID or electronic ID card. Italy’s online gambling industry generated €5bn in wagers, making it the second biggest market in Europe. Further gambling reforms are expected in 2026 to reform the land-based gambling sector and review the ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship.
Gibraltar gambling commissioner says UK gambling tax rise would cause “genuine pain”
Andrew Lyman, the Gibraltar gambling commissioner and non-executive director of IBAS, has broken his silence on the proposed gambling tax hike in the UK. He criticises the idea that the industry can easily absorb a significant tax increase without suffering economic consequences. Lyman suggests that any tax rise should be minimal to avoid negative impacts on the sector’s economic contribution. He warns that a substantial tax hike could lead to reduced growth, lower tax yields, and irreparable damage to the industry. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce the tax increase in her Autumn Budget presentation on November 26, with support from the Treasury Committee and some MPs. Despite a rise in online gambling yield, retail betting premises have seen a decrease in revenue. Lyman emphasises the importance of finding a balance to prevent detrimental effects on the gambling sector.
French casinos continue opposition to calls for igaming legalisation
Casinos de France opposes the legalisation of online casino gambling in France, arguing that it could lead to massive job losses and a loss of revenue for the state. The trade body claims that regulating online casinos could result in a €546 million loss to the public purse and the closure of dozens of land-based venues. President Grégory Rabuel dismissed claims of lost revenue from unlicensed online casinos as a hoax, emphasising the negative impact on local jobs, municipal budgets, and cultural life. Casinos de France argues that land-based casinos provide a safer gambling environment and contribute significantly to taxes, social security, and local authorities. The group also highlights the negative effects of regulated online gaming in other European countries. Despite opposition, the government is considering reintroducing plans for regulating online casinos in France.
UK PM hints that gambling tax rise may be on the way
Labour MPs are advocating for a tax increase on British gambling to help reduce child poverty by removing the two-child benefit cap. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hinted at this change in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Former PM Gordon Brown supports the tax rise, suggesting that gambling operators can afford it and the revenue could be used to alleviate child poverty. The proposal includes raising remote gaming duty, slot machine games duty, and general betting duty, with estimates suggesting it could generate £3.2bn. However, the gambling sector warns that this tax increase may drive revenue to the unlicensed market, citing the example of the Netherlands, where a similar tax hike led to a decline in tax revenue.
Bulgaria sneaks gambling tax hike into amended 2026 budget
The article discusses Bulgaria’s decision to increase the gambling tax rate from 20 to 25 per cent on various gambling activities starting from January 2026. This move is aimed at addressing a fiscal shortfall of €3.86bn. The tax hike follows a trend seen in other European countries like Romania, France, and the Netherlands, where similar tax increases have been implemented or are planned. Bulgaria’s decision to raise the tax rate coincides with its preparation to join the Eurozone on January 1. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Healthcare in Bulgaria have proposed new rules for online gambling, including session time limits and loss limits to promote responsible gambling practices. Players will be required to take a 15-minute cooling-off period before resuming play, with increased self-exclusion periods also in place.
Gambling Commission uncertain of size of unlicensed gambling market in Britain
The Gambling Commission in the UK acknowledges the challenge of measuring the size of the unlicensed gambling market due to limited data. Director Ben Haden emphasises the need for reliable statistics and highlights the difficulty in estimating illegal gambling expenditure. Despite the lack of concrete data, efforts to understand and disrupt illegal activities continue, with a focus on trends and operator input. The Commission has not observed sustained growth in engagement with illegal gambling sites but remains vigilant in addressing the issue. Collaboration and risk-based actions are key in combating illegal gambling, with a focus on protecting consumers and preventing harm.
