Weekend Conversation Corner – February, 20
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 audiences worldwide. As we condense the flurry of events into a coherent and focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have defined the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the noise and provide a concise overview of the week’s crucial developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s rapidly changing world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!
Proposal to raise legal age for gambling in Romania passes Senate
The Romanian Senate has proposed legislation to raise the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 in an effort to address youth gambling problems. The bill also includes a ban on gambling advertising between 6 am and midnight, as well as restrictions on the use of celebrities and influencers in promotions. The initiative was supported by various political parties and is now awaiting review in the Chamber of Deputies. The move follows reforms to the Games of Chance Law and leadership changes at the National Gambling Office. The new president, Vlad-Cristian Soare, has prioritised player protection and launched a national self-exclusion program. If approved, President Niscusor Dan would sign the bills into law.
New European Union igaming tax proposed
The article discusses a proposal for a harmonised tax on online gambling across the European Union, supported by Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the European Parliament. The tax would be imposed on online betting and gaming operators, with revenues allocated to EU budget priorities like education and youth initiatives. Negrescu argues that this tax could generate significant funds for the EU budget. Despite variations in national gambling tax regimes, the proposal aims to create a coordinated EU-level tax to address the lack of resources for education and other areas. However, the success of the proposal is uncertain due to the need for unanimous consent from all Member States. The introduction of an EU igaming tax could lead to more fiscal harmonisation and impact operators in the industry.
Dutch regulator weighs in on proposed gambling reforms
The chairman of the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), expressed concerns about the proposed ban on online gambling ads in the Netherlands. While he supports tighter regulations for online operators, he believes a blanket ban on advertising may not be effective as most ads come from unlicensed operators. He also warned against limiting the number of online gambling license holders, stating it could be legally challenging and may not reduce advertising or player numbers. The chairman emphasised the need to combat illegal gambling, which is a growing issue globally. He suggested that banning legal advertising would only drive players to illegal providers, undermining the intended goal of the new cabinet. The KSA chair called for a more comprehensive approach to address the issue of illegal gambling.
Washington State Senate approves bill to allow in-state college betting
The Washington State Senate has passed a bill to remove online sportsbook limitations at tribal casinos and allow in-state college betting. The bill, SB 6137, would permit betting on games from Washington colleges but not on individual athlete performances. Sponsored by state Sen. Adrian Cortes, the legislation aims to regulate sports betting and protect student athletes. The proposal, approved by a vote of 41-8, now moves to the House of Representatives and could take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns in mid-March. In a related development, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against unlicensed online casino apps, alleging violations of gambling and consumer protection laws and seeking to recover residents’ losses totalling over $225m since September 2020. The lawsuit targets companies like Playtika and Aristocrat for operating apps used by thousands of residents for gambling activities.
Svenska Spel sees rise in net gaming revenue and profit
The article highlights how Svenska Spel, Sweden’s state-controlled gambling operator, saw an increase in online gaming revenue that more than made up for the closure of the last land-based casino in the country. Despite shutting down Casino Cosmopol venues, Svenska Spel reported a 2 per cent rise in net gaming revenue to SEK7.69bn in 2025. The company’s operating profit grew by 10 per cent to SEK2.54bn, with net profit climbing 11 per cent to SEK1.96bn. Other divisions like the Tur lottery and Sport and Casino segments also contributed to the growth. Digital sales accounted for 63 per cent of all revenue, while retail sales and other segments saw declines. President and CEO Anna Johnson expressed satisfaction with the financial progress and strategic goals achieved in 2025.
French gambling regulator issues warning ahead of 2026 World Cup
The French gambling regulator, ANJ, has warned operators against excessive advertising during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, noting a 25 per cent increase in marketing budgets. Concerns arise due to FIFA’s introduction of “hydration breaks” during matches, allowing for more advertising time and potential exposure to betting promotions. The ANJ urges operators to adhere to budget limits to prevent overexposure and excessive gaming practices. One major broadcaster has already committed to not selling gambling ad slots during the new breaks, following advertising standards set by regulatory bodies. The ANJ has proposed a potential advertising ban during live coverage of major sporting events to address concerns about problem gambling, particularly among younger demographics in France.
