Weekend Conversation Corner – June, 05

Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we delve into the major headlines of the week that have captured global attention. As we break down the chaos of events into a coherent, focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have shaped the narrative, influenced policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the clutter and provide a concise review of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s fast-changing world.

Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!

New York Senate approves bill on sports betting statements

The New York Senate has approved Assembly Bill A10329, which now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. If passed, New York would be the first state to mandate mobile sports wagering operators to provide monthly statements to customers. The bill, introduced by Assembly Member Rebecca Kassay, aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring disclosure of deposits, winnings, losses, and wager amounts. The Senate and Assembly both overwhelmingly supported the proposal, emphasising the importance of informed participation and responsible gambling practices. Additionally, the New York State Gaming Commission has launched a campaign to prevent unlawful online gambling, targeting prediction markets and offshore operators.

250 licences and aggressive enforcement – PlayCity’s first year regulating gambling in Ukraine

PlayCity’s first annual report in Ukraine highlights advancements in licensing, taxation, and enforcement in the gambling industry. The regulator issued 250 licences in 2025-26, generating over UAH569m for the state budget. Lottery licensing alone brought in UAH72m, with tax receipts surpassing UAH74m in the first quarter of 2026. PlayCity also reported aggressive enforcement actions against unlicensed operators, imposing fines exceeding UAH988m for legal violations. The launch of Ukraine’s State Online Gambling Monitoring system (DSOM) tracks transactions and aims to create data-driven regulation. Social safeguards were emphasised, with measures to prevent gaming addiction and restrict military personnel from gambling. PlayCity oversaw government resolutions and issued ministry orders to regulate the industry effectively. Overall, the regulator’s efforts contributed to UAH14bn in taxes from gambling organisers and UAH2bn in personal income tax.

Milestone European standard on gambling harm markers reaches publication

EN 18144, a European standard on markers of harm in gambling, has been approved and published by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). This standard provides guidance for consumer protection by identifying nine core behavioural markers that gambling operators can use to recognise risky gambling patterns. These markers include changes in stake volume, deposit frequency, player-initiated contact, and more. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) proposed this initiative to CEN and welcomed its publication as a significant step in player protection. EGBA members, online gambling operators in Europe, are already monitoring these markers and are committed to aligning their player protection frameworks with the standard. Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, emphasised the importance of early identification of risky play for better player protection and encouraged other operators to adopt the standard.

5 Leaders – 1 Question: Brazil’s illegal gambling market and the tools to move players to licensed platforms

Recent studies supported by the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) estimate that between 41 and 51 per cent of Brazil’s online betting market remains illegal, with billions of reais in wagers and tax revenue flowing outside the regulated channel.

In response, the second edition of the special series “5 Leaders – 1 Question” sees Focus Gaming News ask five key figures in Brazil’s industry – Leonardo Baptista (Pay4Fun), André Gelfi (IBJR), Amilton Noble (Hebara), Thomas Carvalhaes and Luiz Felipe Maia (Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados) – one focused question: “Which regulatory tool would be the most effective in channelling players to licensed platforms?”

The participants share their views on the most effective tools to move players towards licensed platforms: from cutting off payment flows and tightening control over content and digital distribution, to reducing friction in the regulated offer, securing political recognition for the sector and allowing carefully framed pre‑play rewards. Taken together, their insights suggest that shrinking the illegal market will require both firm action against unlicensed operators and a more competitive, attractive licensed environment for players.

Each instalment of “5 Leaders – 1 Question” will address a different strategic issue for the gambling and igaming sector – every week on Focus Gaming News, one new question and five leaders sharing their views on the most relevant developments in the market.

Italian media regulator to clarify rules for gambling communications

AGCOM, Italy’s media regulator, is focusing on clarifying the boundaries between informational and promotional gambling communications for licensed operators. The consultation aims to address concerns from stakeholders about how gambling operators interact with customers through advertising and marketing. Operators are seeking clarity on practices like bonuses, loyalty schemes, and influencer partnerships to ensure compliance with Italy’s regulatory framework. AGCOM is expected to take a stricter stance on communications that could indirectly encourage gambling participation. The regulator’s review does not signal a change in regulations, but there may be a re-evaluation of the ban on gambling sponsorship at the legislative level. Additionally, Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency continues to crack down on unlicensed operators, blocking over 12,000 unauthorised portals since 2019. Land-based gambling reforms in Italy are also progressing towards agreement after years of debate.

EU gambling tax ambitions increase

The European Commission proposes a pan-European gambling tax that could generate €13.3bn over the next seven years. This tax is part of a larger plan to finance the EU’s common cash pot, which includes post-pandemic borrowing repayments. Other proposed revenue-raising options include levies on crypto firms and a digital services tax. The gambling tax would involve a 3 per cent levy on online gambling operators’ net turnover, potentially generating €1.9bn annually. However, the proposal faces resistance and challenges due to varying definitions of gambling across EU member states. The European Gaming and Betting Association has expressed concerns about the feasibility of an EU-wide gambling levy. Additionally, a digital services tax and taxes on crypto assets are being considered, with potential revenue estimates of €5bn and €3-4bn annually, respectively. Approval from all 27 EU governments is required for any new tax proposals.