Weekend Conversation Corner – October, 16

Welcome back to this week’s Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, your concise look at the major headlines that have captivated global attention. We aim to distil the week’s whirlwind of events into a clear, focused summary, covering the pivotal stories that have shaped narratives, influenced policies, and ignited significant discussions. Join us as we cut through the noise, presenting a condensed overview of the critical developments that truly matter in today’s rapidly evolving world. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

British casinos boost town and city centre visitation, new report suggests

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) highlights the vital role of land-based casinos in supporting high streets and boosting local hospitality. New research shows 41.1 per cent of casino customers would stay home otherwise, and 72.1 per cent use other local businesses, generating wider economic benefits. Following 2025 reforms, the sector plans approximately £200m of planned capital investment over five years.

However, this is threatened by potential increases to Machine Games Duty (MGD) and planned General Betting Duty (GBD) rises. Industry leaders urge Chancellor John Healey to halt these tax hikes, warning that previous increases led to over 600 betting shop closures and 10,250 job losses. Further rises could cause more closures, job losses, and a net loss to the Exchequer, undermining high-street regeneration.

Italy seeks €1bn budget contribution from gambling sector

Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) aims to raise €1bn from gambling operators through the 2027 Budget Law, part of PM Giorgia Meloni’s political agenda. This revenue strategy includes reforms to online gambling licensing, new auditing requirements, and revised rules for the accounting of winnings and withdrawals. Proposals under discussion involve bringing forward the tender for Italy’s instant-win and scratchcard concession, currently held by Lotterie Nazionali, targeting €1bn. Additionally, the MEF is considering a three-year extension of retail gambling concessions from 2026 to 2029 to collect fees and address the long-delayed reorganisation of Italy’s retail gambling network. While specific rates and implementation schedules remain uncertain, the budget bill is expected soon.

No European gambling tax proposed in draft EU 2028-2034 budget

Ireland’s initial draft of the EU’s 2028-2034 budget omits the proposed pan-EU 1 per cent online gambling tax, despite support from some MEPs like Victor Negrescu. This levy, championed by the Socialists and Democrats group, was projected to raise €2bn-€4bn annually for education, mental health, and youth programmes. The European Union gambling tax faced pushback from industry (European Gaming and Betting Association) and member states like Malta, which argued for national competence. While the draft budget includes other EU-wide revenue measures like taxes on emissions trading, electronic waste, and tobacco, expected to generate up to €55bn annually, the gambling levy is absent. Ireland, steering negotiations, aims for a spending ceiling set at €1.62trn. The document is non-binding, meaning the proposal could still re-emerge during final negotiations.

Sports betting growth puts focus on niche betting offerings in France

The French gambling regulator, l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), reported strong growth in France’s online sports betting market in 2025, with stakes rising 12 per cent to €11.52bn and GGR by 10.4 per cent to €1.77bn. This expansion was driven by an expanded football calendar, notably the UEFA Champions League, and increased interest in niche competitions.

However, the ANJ raised significant player protection concerns. Its report highlighted that “excessive” and “manifestly excessive bettors” concentrated over 80 per cent of their stakes on niche international leagues (e.g., Brazil, Saudi Arabia) and 80-89 per cent on certain sub-match and live betting markets. Football remained dominant, accounting for 54.9 per cent of all wagers, while tennis also saw significant gains. The ANJ suggests this research could inform stronger player-safety measures.

Denmark eyes phased implementation of new gambling reforms

Denmark’s proposed new gambling regulations will be debated in parliament on October 22, 2026, ahead of a phased 2027 rollout. Introduced by Tax and Growth Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the reforms focus on three key areas.

Firstly, a formal duty of care will require operators to actively monitor player behaviour, intervene when harm is detected, and strengthen responsible gambling processes and staff training.

Secondly, advertising rules will be significantly tightened, including a whistle-to-whistle advertising ban around live sports broadcasts, restrictions on content appealing to under-18s, a ban on featuring people under 25 in ads, and new limits on outdoor gambling advertising. These marketing rules are slated for July 2027.

Finally, the gambling regulator Spillemyndigheden will gain stronger enforcement powers against unlicensed gambling, while operators will face a tougher penalty regime with escalating fines and potential licence suspensions for repeated regulatory breaches.

AI in gambling: Leaders differ on need for specific rules

In a new edition of the “5 Leaders – 1 Question” series by Focus Gaming News, industry figures debate whether gambling needs bespoke AI rules or if existing consumer protection law and the EU AI Act are enough. Gustaf Hoffstedt argues for regulating outcomes, not AI tools, and focusing on illegal operators. Catie Di Stefano believes current arrangements suffice, seeing no alarming AI use.

Conversely, Rasmus Kjaergaard stresses AI’s current use, urging the industry to proactively develop responsible standards. Giulio Coraggio states existing law is sufficient but poorly enforced, warning operators are already exposed under the AI Act. Craig Cornforth advocates using AI as an opportunity, supported by trained teams and lived-experience assurance. The debate leans towards better enforcement and proactive industry standards over new, specific AI legislation.