Weekend Conversation Corner – November, 21
Welcome to the most recent instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief examination of the week’s top headlines that have captivated the globe. As we condense the flurry of events into a clear and focused recap, we will discuss the key stories that have moulded the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the chaos and provide a concise overview of the week’s significant advancements, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s swiftly changing world.
Stay informed, stay inspired, and continue gaming. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
France revamps gambling self-exclusion system
The French gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has launched a new fully digital system for the national gambling self-exclusion register, Interdiction Volontaire. This update aims to simplify and speed up the sign-up process while enhancing identity verification. Previously, individuals had to go in person to a police station to register for exclusion. The system now covers both land-based and online gambling, with plans to introduce personalised user accounts in 2026. The revamp has reduced the activation time to just one day, and registrations have more than doubled since 2021. Demographic data shows that 77 per cent of registrants are men, with different age groups citing various triggers for their exclusion. The ANJ is committed to modernising the system to align with responsible gambling standards and provide ongoing support to registrants.
Slovakian sports bodies urged to ensure “no connection with unlicensed gambling”
The new head of the Slovakian gambling regulator, Libuša Baranová, is cracking down on unlicensed gambling operators by urging sports bodies to review their commercial agreements. She warned that sanctions would be enforced for breaches of the Gambling Act, with fines of up to €250,000 for unlawful partnerships. Baranová emphasised the importance of combating illegal operators, protecting consumers, and ensuring a fair gambling market. She highlighted the visibility of sports organisations as targets for unlicensed operators and called for immediate action to remove any connections with foreign gambling operators without individual licences in Slovakia. The president of Slovakia vetoed gambling reforms, citing concerns about consumer protection and social consequences, despite the aim of the bill to liberalise the online gambling sector and introduce new licensing rules.
American Gaming Association appoints Lou Jacobs as chairman
Lou Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North, has been elected as the next chairman of the American Gaming Association (AGA), succeeding Michael Rumbolz. Jacobs will begin his two-year term in January 2026. With experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, Jacobs aims to continue AGA’s success and promote legal gaming as an economic engine for communities. As CEO of Delaware North, Jacobs oversees the company’s gaming division, which includes regional casinos, online sports betting, and igaming. AGA President Bill Miller praised Jacobs’ leadership qualities and industry experience. During Rumbolz’s tenure, AGA achieved key policy wins, strengthened responsible gaming programs, and fought against illegal gambling. Jacobs is also involved in community service, chairing the capital campaign for FeedMore WNY.
Report forecasts rise in match-fixing with the launch of regulated online gambling in Finland
The Finnish National Sports Council has expressed concerns about the potential increase in match-fixing cases with the end of the state monopoly on gambling in Finland. The new Finnish Gambling Act aims to introduce competition in the online gambling market by 2027, but the FNSC fears this could weaken monitoring mechanisms for sports. Recent years have already seen a rise in suspicious betting activity, with a significant number of manipulation alerts reported. An investigation into potential match-fixing in professional floorball competitions revealed that some individuals had placed bets on their own teams, including on losses. The report recommends legislative changes to address betting-related manipulation before the monopoly ends, including introducing the concept of “sports fraud” and enhancing collaboration between regulatory authorities. Similar measures taken in other European countries, such as Sweden and Germany, are also highlighted in the report.
Swedish gambling revenue sees modest growth in Q3
Online casino revenue in Sweden increased by 0.5 per cent to SEK6.71bn in the third quarter of the year, driven by growth in the igaming sector. Online gambling revenue rose by 3.5 per cent, while revenue from state lottery and slot machines fell by 7.2 per cent. Commercial land-based gaming saw a 3.1 per cent increase, but there was no revenue from land-based casinos due to closures. Despite a 4.4 per cent decrease from the second quarter, Svenska Spel’s net gaming revenue for the period was SEK1.87bn, a 7 per cent increase. The growth was attributed to the Tur lottery and Sport & Casino divisions. The Swedish gambling regulator, Spelinspektionen, announced supervisory measures at Svenska Spel’s gaming halls and a forthcoming ban on gambling with credit from April 2026.
