SBC Eurasia Editorial Team is happy to present a quick recap of the gambling industry events, news, regulations and partnerships that happened last week.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has raised concerns over the government’s proposal to establish a new gambling framework. In July, the Ministry of the Interior initiated consultations with government bodies on plans to revamp Finland’s gambling regime by 2027. While Montenegro’s gambling sector faces likely fiscal changes as the Ministry of Finance endorses a 15% tax charged on customer winnings.
Additionally, divisions within Thailand’s Parliament have stalled progress on the bill to legalize casinos. The Bangkok Post reported that the Bhumjaithai Party, part of the ruling coalition, voiced objections to various aspects of the bill, with concerns echoed by opposition parties.
Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group has published its results for Q2 and the H1 of 2024. For the H1 of the year, the group’s net revenue reached HK$ 21.5 billion (USD 2.76 billion), a 37% increase compared to the same period last year. While Evoke Plc is focused on the ‘execution of short-term actions’ to maximise operating margins and return its business to growth in H2 trading. This statement follows the LSE gambling group publishing interim results, showing H1 losses (after tax) of £143m – a 300% increase compared to 2023 losses of £32m.
According to local media, the Turkish government has threatened to ban the social network and messaging app Telegram. Particularly troubling is the use of Telegram for drug trafficking, facilitating prostitution, and promoting illegal gambling. However, Gambling.com Group’s CEO Charles Gillespie noted that the impact of Google’s algorithm changes was “less significant” than anticipated.
Playtech and Flutter Entertainment are discussing a potential sale of the Italian division Snaitech Italia. Flutter Entertainment has also opened its new ‘Global Capability Centre‘ in Hyderabad, India, to enhance tech and IT support for its global gambling portfolio.
MGM Resorts International is set to launch in Brazil in partnership with Latin American media group Grupo Globo, creating the BetMGM sports betting and gaming brand in the country.
Stake has entered the regulated gaming market in Peru after obtaining a license for casino and sportsbook operations from the National Gaming Authority. However, ahead of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch Gaming Authority, has demanded that the F1 organizers remove all Stake.com advertisements.
Entain has reported unprecedented betting activity during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with basketball emerging as the most popular sport among bettors. However, currently, allegations of bribery have led Entain to legal action. According to Law.com, British law firm Fox Williams is seeking significant compensation from the operator. The report highlights that the firm cites a substantial drop in share value due to historical bribery claims amounting to over £150 million ($187 million).
Betway has been named the official betting partner of both English club Nottingham Forest and Italian club Bologna. While Merkur Group has been named the official partner of Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
bet365 has become the first official sports betting partner of the UEFA Champions League under a three-year contract. While DAZN has locked in Bundesliga rights in Spain through 2029.
Additionally, Chelsea FC has announced a new partnership with African online gaming and betting platform MSport.
Kambi, the B2B gambling giant, has released a detailed report on betting trends during the Euro 2024 and Copa América, drawing on data from its B2C operator partners.
PlayUp Interactive has been sanctioned with a record AUS$586,000 fine from the New South Wales gambling regulator for “offering free bets and inducing people to gamble”. While the National Police Agency of Japan will begin its first investigation into offshore gambling sites, which are reportedly widespread among Japanese youth.
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