Weekend Conversation Corner – January, 23
Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief dive into the week’s top headlines that have captivated audiences worldwide. As we break down the chaos of the week into a concise summary, we will highlight the key stories that have moulded the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a condensed overview of the week’s essential developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay updated, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!
Lawmakers push for an end to VAT exemption for gambling in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Our Party lawmakers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are proposing amendments to gambling legislation to remove the VAT exemption for gambling. The aim is to create a fair tax framework that directs revenue towards social and health projects. The proposal, presented by Mia Karamehić Abazović and Amir Purić, seeks to increase tax revenue from the gambling industry to support cancer care, treatment of serious illnesses, and other critical medical needs. The current tax collection from the industry is significantly lower than its revenue, and the proposed amendments aim to rectify this imbalance. This initiative follows previous proposals for changes in gambling taxation in the country, indicating a growing interest in reforming the system to benefit social and health initiatives.
Danish gambling revenue rebounds
In November, gaming revenue in Denmark saw a 17.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year, with sports betting and online casino leading the growth. Online casino revenue rose by 27 per cent, while sports betting revenue reached DKK 265m. The decline in revenue in October had raised concerns about new gambling advertising restrictions, but the latest report suggests it was just a temporary setback. The Danish register of self-excluded players showed an increase in registrations, with 67,107 people listed in November. The helpline StopSpillet logged 4,017 conversations. Overall, the gaming industry in Denmark seems to be back on track after a brief decline.
Finnish Gambling Act published following presidential approval
The new Finnish Gambling Act, approved by the president, establishes a framework for regulated online gambling in Finland starting July 2027. The legislation aims to protect consumers, prevent criminal activity, and reduce gambling-related harm. It introduces a dual licensing system with exclusive licenses for state-owned companies like Veikkaus and open licenses for private operators. Player protection measures include identity checks and spending limits, while advertising will be tightly regulated. A new National Supervisory Authority will oversee the industry, with powers to issue licenses, enforce compliance, and impose penalties. Sanctions can include fines and license revocation. The regulator will be funded by licensed operators’ annual supervision fees. Most provisions come into effect on July 1, 2027, with licensing preparations starting in March 2026.
Washington lawmakers discuss proposal to remove sports betting limitations
A new bill in Washington proposes removing online sportsbook limitations at tribal casinos and lifting the ban on in-state college betting. The bill would allow tribes to accept online sports bets from any licensed sportsbook in the state. However, individual player props from college athletes playing for Washington-based teams would be banned. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President has urged state gambling commissions to eliminate prop bets, including high-risk ones like first-half unders, to protect athletes and leagues from integrity risks. The bill aims to bring college sports wagering out of illegal markets and into a regulated structure. Rep. Sharlett Mena highlighted the need for legal options to prevent sports betting from happening in the shadows.
British Gambling Commission calls for industry alignment to combat illegal gambling
Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, emphasises the need for collaboration between regulators and the licensed industry to combat illegal gambling. At ICE Barcelona 2026, he called for joint action against affiliates, advertisers, and technology companies supporting illegal operators. Miller urged companies to embed illegal market risk management into their decision-making processes and conduct due diligence on suppliers. He criticised social media platforms like Meta for allowing illegal gambling ads and called for a united front to force companies to choose a side. The UK government has allocated £26m to the Gambling Commission to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling, showing confidence in their progress. Miller’s speech highlighted the importance of industry cooperation and regulatory measures to tackle illegal gambling effectively.
New Jersey lawmakers to consider gaming-related bills
New Jersey lawmakers are considering various gaming-related bills in the new legislative session. Topics of debate include sweepstakes, sports betting, and casino expansion. Senate Bill 1500 aims to regulate online sweepstakes casinos, while other proposals address issues such as sports wagering license fees, micro bets, and player-specific proposition bets on college sports. There are also resolutions to allow slot machine gambling at horse racetracks and establish casino gaming at specific racetracks. Governor Murphy recently signed a bill requiring state-run schools to collaborate with the Council on Compulsive Gambling to raise awareness of gambling risks. Public colleges in the state are now mandated to host the Council on Compulsive Gambling at least once per semester.
