Weekend Conversation Corner – July, 10
Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief analysis of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. By summarising the key stories that have impacted the narrative, influenced decision-making, and sparked conversations, we aim to offer a focused overview of the week’s most important developments. Join us as we cut through the noise and deliver a concise update on what truly counts in today’s rapidly changing world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming. Have a fantastic weekend!
Italian bill proposes dedicated football betting levy to fund sport’s development
The article discusses a new proposal in Italy to redirect tax proceeds from domestic football bets to fund the sport. Senator Paolo Marcheschi’s Bill 1902 suggests a 2 per cent tax on all football bets placed in Italy, with the revenue going to the Italian Football Federation for youth development, social initiatives, women’s football, and grassroots programs. The proposal aims to redirect around €230m annually into a football fund managed by the FIGC. The bill emphasises that the levy is not state aid but a way to create a self-sustaining football ecosystem. The implementation rules will be defined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This proposal has received support from former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.
Special report: Forging Europe’s united front against illegal online gambling
In November 2025, seven European gambling regulators agreed to share information and combat unlicensed operators. The illegal online gambling market in Europe was found to be dominant, with unlicensed operators making €80.6bn in revenue in 2024. The regulators committed to sharing information, urging digital platforms to strengthen control mechanisms, and sharing best practices in enforcement. Since then, regulators have increased complaints to digital platforms, with the UK and Portugal taking significant actions against illegal operators. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, such as operators using mirror sites and cryptocurrency to evade blocks. Greater alignment on operational standards and making regulated markets more competitive are seen as key to reducing the illegal market sustainably. The success of this initiative will depend on sustained platform accountability and legislative support.
Indiana bill banning sweepstakes casinos takes effect
Indiana’s House Bill 1052, signed into law by Governor Mike Braun, prohibits online sweepstakes casinos using dual-currency systems in the state. Co-sponsored by Rep. Manning, Rep. Mayfield, and Rep. Moed, the legislation imposes fines of up to $100,000 on operators. Similar bans have been implemented in Tennessee and Oklahoma, while Chicago rejected a proposal to ban sweepstakes machines. The law aims to regulate online gambling and protect consumers from potentially harmful practices.
Scotland seeks applications for gambling levy funding
Grassroots organisations in Scotland can now apply for a share of a new £375,000 funding pot for gambling research. The funding aims to support projects and research related to gambling harms, mental health, and suicide prevention. The application window is open until August 14, with a focus on early intervention and support services for vulnerable individuals. The money comes from Scotland’s UK gambling levy allocation and is managed by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland. The government sees gambling harm as a public health issue, with previous research showing links to housing insecurity, debt, and substance use. Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd encourages charities to apply, emphasising the need to address the hidden harms of gambling. The Chief Officer at the ALLIANCE, Sara Redmond, highlights the importance of understanding and providing support for individuals affected by gambling in Scotland.
Christian Hochgrebe becomes new chair of German gambling regulator
Germany’s federal gambling regulator, GGL, has appointed Christian Hochgrebe as the new chairman of the administrative board. This comes as Germany’s gambling legislation undergoes review. The appointment follows Sandro Kirchner’s tenure, reflecting Germany’s state-based regulatory model. The upcoming evaluation of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) will focus on advertising, deposit limits, and customer protection. The regulator aims to enhance enforcement against illegal gambling and improve the framework for licensed operators. Hochgrebe emphasises the need to adapt to current developments and strengthen oversight of legal providers. Board member Ronald Benter highlights the importance of cooperation with federal states under Hochgrebe’s leadership. The GGL is gearing up for a challenging year ahead.
5 Leaders – 1 Question: How can Europe balance tighter gambling advertising rules with high channelisation?
In the latest edition of the special series “5 Leaders – 1 Question” sees Focus Gaming News ask five industry leaders (Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC); David Yatom Hay, general counsel at Soft2Bet; Andy Danson, head of media, entertainment & sport at Bird & Bird; Filip Knežević, president of the Association of Gambling Operators of Montenegro within the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro; and Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the Executive Board of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit)) how can European regulators strike the right balance between stricter gambling advertising rules and maintaining high channelisation to licensed operators, especially as more countries move towards “restricted” or near-ban regimes?
They underline that while advertising safeguards for minors and vulnerable groups are essential, overly restrictive or near‑ban regimes risk weakening channelisation by making licensed operators less visible and competitive than offshore sites. Hurst and Yatom Hay stress proportionate, evidence‑based rules and treating channelisation as an actively managed outcome; Danson warns that legal brands must retain enough marketing scope to compete with unregulated offers; Knežević points to the Netherlands, Sweden and Montenegro as examples of how harsh controls and high player‑facing taxes can fuel grey‑market growth; and Groothuizen cautions that tougher rules must go hand in hand with stronger action against illegal advertising, especially on social media, if consumer protection is to be truly effective.
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.
