Weekend Conversation Corner – March, 20
Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner. This concise segment delves into the week’s most significant headlines that have captured global interest. We will sift through the chaos of events to provide a clear and focused summary, highlighting the key stories that have impacted discussions, policies, and the overall narrative. Join us as we navigate through the noise to offer a condensed overview of the week’s crucial developments, keeping you informed on what truly matters in today’s fast-paced world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!
Estonian advisor dismissed after Gambling Tax Act typo
An Estonian adviser responsible for a drafting mistake that accidentally eliminated the remote gambling tax has been dismissed. The error was corrected with a revised version of the Gambling Tax Act. Estonia plans to gradually reduce the gambling tax from 6 per cent to 4 per cent by 2029, with the rate for the upcoming year set at 5.5 per cent. The country aims to become a hub for online gaming like Malta and Gibraltar. The dismissal was not only due to the error but also to other issues. Estonia’s remote gambling tax is expected to generate around €27m in 2026.
Banning online casinos in Brazil: President Lula’s proposal faces legal and economic barriers, experts say
The article discusses President Lula’s proposal to ban online casinos in Brazil, which has faced legal obstacles and could have significant regulatory and economic impacts. Specialists consulted by Focus Gaming News highlighted the need for any prohibition to go through the legislature and pointed out the risks of reversing the regulated market that was established in 2025. They also warned that a ban could strengthen the illegal market and suggested that a more likely outcome would be a tightening of existing rules rather than an outright prohibition. The experts emphasised the complexities involved in implementing a ban and suggested that a more feasible approach would involve more restrictions, oversight, and higher regulatory costs.
Gibraltar Gambling Bill passes first reading
The proposed changes to Gibraltar’s gambling legislation aim to introduce more licence categories and enhance the powers of the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. The new Gibraltar Gambling Bill 2025 will expand licensing, increase accountability for senior executives, and regulate B2B activities with new licence categories. The bill also strengthens the GGC’s enforcement tools and introduces a sanctions appeal tribunal. The legislation, initiated in June 2024, seeks to improve sustainability in the sector amidst concerns about the impact of British gambling tax on Gibraltar’s economy. Consultations began in May 2022, influenced by Gibraltar’s issues with the FATF. The bill must pass through further stages before implementation. Nigel Feetham, Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade, and Industry, believes the legislation will provide a flexible framework for gambling regulation.
British Gambling Commission lays out timeline for upcoming changes to licence conditions
The UK Gambling Commission has announced updates to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice for operators, including new obligations on event reporting, consumer safeguards, complaints procedures, and gaming machine compliance. Key changes for 2026 include revised reporting rules, alignment with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, updated complaints and dispute resolution rules, and a new requirement for non-remote operators to remove non-compliant gaming machines. The Commission is also undergoing leadership changes, with Sarah Gardner serving as acting chief executive and Sue Young named as executive director of operations. The government is considering increasing the Gambling Commission’s fees. For more information, operators are advised to subscribe to the Commission’s eBulletin for further regulatory updates.
Fines of up to 100% of annual revenue proposed for unlicensed gambling in the Netherlands
The article discusses a proposal in the Netherlands to increase fines for gambling operators up to 100 per cent of their annual revenue, aiming to address issues with current enforcement powers. The motion also includes a ban on igaming ads and an extension of the minimum exclusion period for problem gamblers. The proposal comes from opposition lawmakers and aligns with the government’s previous plans to ban gambling advertising. The article highlights concerns about the rise in online gambling among young adults and the impact of advertising on the proliferation of gambling. Despite challenges in enforcement and collection from offshore operators, the push for stricter regulations reflects a growing concern over the negative effects of gambling in the country.
MP raises questions over the impact of UK gambling tax hike on Gibraltar
Ministers in the UK have promised to monitor the effects of the increase in the gambling tax on Gibraltar. The Remote Gaming Tax will rise to 40 per cent and the Remote Betting Duty to 25 per cent by 2027. Labour MP Gareth Snell raised concerns about the impact on Gibraltar’s economy and called for an assessment of the consequences. Despite worries about the black market, MP Alex Ballinger argued that the regulated market is dominant. Minister Dan Tomlinson confirmed that the bill would not be altered but pledged to monitor the impact. Gibraltar’s Minister Feetham warned of direct and indirect consequences for public finances, as the gambling industry plays a crucial role in funding essential services. The UK tax changes could affect Gibraltar’s corporate tax reform efforts and job opportunities.
