Weekend Conversation Corner – June, 26
Welcome to the newest edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief analysis of the week’s top headlines that have captivated global audiences. As we sift through the chaos of events to provide a clear and concise summary, we will delve into the key stories that have shaped the dialogue, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we cut through the clutter to offer a condensed overview of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in our fast-paced world today.
Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Georgia aims to attract international gambling operators with a new licensing and tax regime
The Georgian government has introduced draft legislation to establish a new online gambling licensing framework for operators targeting foreign players. The proposed licenses would be valid for five years with an annual fee of GEL 100,000 and restricted to a single website. Foreign nationals and stateless individuals would have access, while Georgian citizens would be blocked. Operators would benefit from a reduced tax rate of 5 per cent on gross gaming revenue, aimed at attracting international gambling businesses. This strategy mirrors tax regimes in Malta, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. Georgia’s approach differentiates by offering the reduced tax rate only to platforms serving foreign customers, while domestic operators face standard rates. Despite strict regulations, major brands like Adjarabet and Betsson Georgia continue to operate, showcasing resilience in the sector. The new framework aims to attract investment and create skilled jobs in technology and marketing, boosting Georgia’s service sector.
Tax committee chief calls for urgent reforms to gambling oversight in Ukraine
Legislator Danylo Hetmantsev is advocating for reforms in the Ukrainian gambling sector, calling for an open competition to appoint a new head of the gambling regulator, PlayCity. He emphasises the need for the full implementation of the new state online monitoring system for gambling (DSOM) before considering changes to the taxation of gambling winnings. Hetmantsev also suggests a fresh competition for the lottery market. PlayCity has already launched DSOM on a test basis, with several operators connected. The system aims to monitor the entire Ukrainian gambling sector and is accessible to both state authorities and operators. PlayCity is now under the coordination of the Prime Minister, with plans for a separate procedure to select its future head.
New review confirms that Dutch gambling tax hike generated less revenue than expected
The joint review by the Ministry of Finance and the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit, revealed that the increase in gambling tax in the Netherlands did not meet revenue expectations. Despite two tax hikes, the actual revenue generated was significantly lower than forecasted, attributed to a contracting gross gaming revenue base. Regulatory changes such as deposit limits and advertising restrictions also impacted the industry. State-owned operators like Holland Casino and Nederlandse Loterij experienced profit reductions, while attendance at casinos and gaming halls decreased. Despite the financial strain, contributions to charities increased slightly, but funding for sports declined. The tax increase may have led to players moving to unlicensed operators, prompting legal action by the Dutch gambling industry trade body against Meta for hosting ads for such platforms.
Gambling in Ireland found to be low-risk for financial crime – with two major exceptions
The Irish gambling industry has been assessed for money-laundering risks, with online bookmakers and private members’ clubs identified as having “significant” concerns. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is overseeing a regulatory overhaul to address these issues. The latest national risk assessment, led by Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, highlights the varying levels of risk within different sectors of the gambling industry. While retail bookmakers and on-course bookmakers were rated as low risk for terrorist financing but moderate risk for money laundering, remote bookmakers and private members’ clubs were flagged as high-risk areas. Concerns include the anonymity of online services and the use of prepaid cards in remote bookmakers, as well as the cash-heavy nature of private members’ clubs. The government is committed to monitoring and addressing these risks to ensure Ireland’s resilience against financial crime.
Austria publishes long-awaited draft law for online gambling liberalisation
The article discusses Austria’s plans to open up its online gambling market to multiple operators by October 2027, ending the long-standing monopoly. However, applicants will face a mandatory cooling-off period if they have operated in the market illegally. The proposed framework also includes revised limits for online slot stakes and customer winnings, as well as a weekly deposit limit. The move is likely to benefit Casinos Austria but has raised concerns from the Austrian Betting and Gaming Association. The draft law also allows for competition in the land-based casino sector, with 13 casino licenses up for tender. Overall, the changes aim to create a more competitive and regulated online gambling market in Austria.
Chicago City Council rejects proposal to ban sweepstakes machines
The Chicago City Council rejected a proposal to ban sweepstakes machines, with approximately 7,000 unregulated machines operating in the city. Alderman Anthony Beale introduced the proposal to eliminate competition for authorised video gambling terminals, citing the presence of illegal sweepstakes machines not recognised by the Illinois Gaming Board. Beale highlighted concerns about mini-casinos operating illegally in some areas with multiple machines in gas stations. Budget Committee chair Jason Ervin argued that sweepstakes machines are amusement devices, not illegal gambling machines. The debate over the regulation of sweepstakes machines continues in Chicago.
