Weekend Conversation Corner – October, 23

Welcome to the newest instalment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a concise overview of the week’s most impactful headlines that have resonated globally. Our goal is to distil the week’s flurry of events into a clear and precise summary, highlighting the pivotal stories that have influenced narratives, guided decisions, and sparked significant conversations. Join us as we navigate through the complexities to present a condensed look at the critical developments, ensuring you’re fully up-to-date on what genuinely matters in our rapidly changing world.

Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Greece to ramp up illegal gambling crackdown with new enforcement hires

Greece is significantly strengthening its fight against illegal gambling, with the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) recruiting 40 staff for an expanded Inspection and Enforcement division. This initiative follows new anti-illegal gambling legislation introduced in June, targeting a black market estimated at €1.8bn and €400m in lost annual revenue. The new laws impose severe penalties, including prison sentences of at least 10 years and fines up to €800,000 for aggravated offences. The EEEP will utilise enhanced investigative powers, overhauled regulations, and digital tools like AI to identify criminal networks and combat social media promotion of illegal gambling. Already, complaints against 18 influencers are under investigation. The regulator is also reviewing player verification for premium customers to prevent migration to unlicensed operators.

Italy’s retail gambling sector demands action after reform stalls

Industry groups are urging immediate action for Italy’s retail gambling sector, as concessions covering betting, bingo, AWPs, and VLTs are set to expire on December 31, 2026. A promised reform decree was shelved, leaving operators in uncertainty. Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia (AGSI) demands urgent interim measures to support land-based businesses and a consultation forum with the government to begin drafting new tender requirements now. They advocate for making retail outlets more competitive with additional products and ensuring small and medium-sized operators can compete. Retail gambling remains vital, generating roughly three-quarters of Italy’s €21bn-plus market, contrasting with the online sector’s already established new framework.

Brazil betting ban raises alarm across LatAm

Industry figures and legal experts from six countries warn that Brazil’s Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, which bans fixed-odds betting and online casinos, could severely undermine investor confidence and regulatory predictability across Latin America. Experts from Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay argue this abrupt abolition of a recently authorised activity may lead to compensation claims and, crucially, strengthen illegal operators. These unregulated platforms often lack essential safeguards like age checks, spending limits, and player-protection tools, leaving consumers vulnerable. The decision highlights the need for sustainable regulated markets with clear rules, independent regulators, effective controls, and responsible gambling policies capable of surviving short-term political changes, ensuring legal certainty and preventing a shift to the black market.

90 MPs call for Machine Games Duty rise in UK Autumn Budget

Pressure is mounting on Chancellor John Healey to raise Machine Games Duty (MGD) on Category B gaming machines in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Around 90 Labour MPs, led by Halesowen Alex Ballinger and backed by Gordon Brown, advocate increasing MGD to 40 per cent. They cite potential annual revenue of £275m to £458m and concerns that Category B machines are concentrated in deprived areas and linked to problem gambling. The proposal suggests exempting pub fruit machines and bingo games.

However, gambling industry groups, including The Bingo Association and the Betting and Gaming Council, warn that such a hike could lead to venue closures and job losses. Betfred founder Fred Done predicts the disappearance of high-street bookmakers, while Rank Group warns of mass venue closures if the increase proceeds.

New higher age limit approved for gambling in Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad and Tobago Senate has approved legislation significantly raising the minimum legal age for various activities. The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol and tobacco will increase from 18 to 21, while the minimum age for cannabis use and gambling activities will rise from 18 to 25. The measure passed with government backing, though opposition and independent senators voted against it, citing concerns about pushing youth to offshore gambling sites and treating “adults as children.” This new age limit legislation is set to take effect in early 2027, pending President Christine Kangaloo’s signature. This follows the recent approval of a new legal framework for online gambling in Trinidad and Tobago, which aims to attract iGaming operators by removing criminalising provisions. Online gaming licenses are expected by January 1, 2027, with the Gambling Control Commission coordinating digital payment integration.

French gambling revenue sees only modest half-year growth despite World Cup betting boost

France’s gambling market experienced modest growth of just over 0.5 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching €5.66bn (excluding casinos). This slight increase was primarily driven by the FIFA World Cup, which significantly boosted activity and helped offset a decline in retail gambling revenue.

Online gambling was the key growth driver, with online GGR rising 11 per cent to €1.45bn. Online sports betting GGR increased 11.6 per cent to €995m, largely concentrated around the World Cup period. Online poker GGR also climbed 13.4 per cent to €290m, supported by a 38.5 per cent increase in active player accounts.

Conversely, retail operators faced challenges. FDJ United reported a 2 per cent GGR decline, impacted by weaker lottery performance and reduced retail footfall. PMU saw a 5.8 per cent GGR drop to €782m, continuing its restructuring efforts under Pacte PMU 2030. The ANJ also raised concerns about niche betting offerings being linked to problem gamblers.