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 launch of regulated sports betting and igaming in Brazil takes centre stage in SBC Media’s second issue of Affiliate Leaders. Featuring the likes of Flashscore CEO Pavel Krbec, OneTwenty Group CEO Chris Russell and local market players such as CEO of Propane Leonardo Benites, Affiliate Leaders explores the intricacies of the newly launched market, tipped as one of the hottest in the world in 2025.
SBC Summit Malta is the new identity of SBC’s Malta-based conference and exhibition, replacing CasinoBeats Summit and signifying a progressive new era for the event. Prompted by recent changes in Malta’s event sector, this strategic shift has enabled SBC to broaden the event’s scope and strengthen its alignment with the organisation’s global lineup of events.
In post-Soviet countries, online gambling has become a key segment of the industry, demonstrating steady growth despite legislative restrictions in several jurisdictions. Over the course of 2024, the industry underwent numerous significant changes. Ivan Kurochkin, Partner and Head of Consulting Department at 4H Agency, has shared key developments with SBC Eurasia.
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for the European gambling sector as well. Bulgaria attracted particular attention with a comprehensive reform of its Gambling Act. More about the current state of the local market, recent legislative changes, and exclusive comments from Rumen Spetsov, the NRA’s General Director, can be read in the article.
The Seimas of Lithuania voted on January 14 for the implementation of new gambling controls to be applied via national banks. While Poland, currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, is leading an initiative to combat illegal gambling. The country is proposing a unified approach to recover billions in lost tax revenue.
Entain has re-emphasised the group’s and BetMGM‘s FY24 EBITDA guidance following recent customer-friendly sports results globally and in the US. The company stated in its Q3 trading update in October last year that group EBITDA was expected to be near the top of its guidance range of £1.04bn to £1.09bn.
Thailand’s Cabinet has taken a step toward legalizing gambling and casinos by approving a draft law that could lead to its implementation. While India’s Supreme Court has stayed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) case against 49 companies. Following the news, shares of Indian gaming operators have seen a rise in prices.
Additionally, Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Rio de Janeiro’s state lottery (Loterj), upholding federal requirements for geolocation systems on online betting platforms. Loterj was challenging an injunction that invalidated recent changes to its lottery system.
The Gambling Authority of the Netherlands (KSA) is tightening its enforcement of advertising standards following a series of violations by gambling operators. While Google has implemented new comprehensive restrictions on gambling advertising in Nigeria, following a recent court ruling.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has fined Greentube Alderney Ltd £1 million for failing to meet anti-money laundering (AML) and social responsibility standards.
As part of Singapore’s crackdown on unlicensed gambling platforms, the country has blocked access to crypto-based prediction firm, Polymarket. While even though last year, the Philippines banned local offshore gaming operators POGOs, some are still setting up operations in residential areas.
Sands China Ltd., Alipay and Macau Pass jointly launched the Alipay Tap! service at Sands Resorts Macao. Using innovative payment interaction technology, the service will improve the payment experience for visitors to Macau and open up new opportunities for digital business and marketing.
Star Entertainment Group is facing a renewed liquidity crisis, with its available cash as of December 31, 2024, falling sharply to A$79 million due to rising costs, fines and a challenging external environment. While Australian Crown Resorts has announced the sale of its only international casino, Crown London, to Wynn Resorts.
EGT Digital is announcing its authorization to operate in Sweden. The company was granted a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) to manufacture, provide, install, and modify software for the online gambling industry.
Digitain has confirmed the promotion of Aida Vardanyan to the role of CEO of the gambling technology group’s Malta unit. While Evolution has announced a change in its Chief Financial Officer position: Jacob Kaplan is stepping down, and his role will be taken over by Joakim Andersson.
Prediction market operator and prominent election betting provider Kalshi announced that future US President Donald Trump‘s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has joined the company as a strategic adviser.
OlyBet has been announced as an official partner of French Rugby club Stade Toulousain. Stade Toulousain is the current Top 14 and Investec Champions Cup title holder. Additionally, VBET has been named the new main sponsor of Brazilian football club Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas.
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