SBC Eurasia Editorial Team is happy to present a quick recap of the gambling industry events, news, regulations and partnerships that happened last week.
From a legal consultant specializing in real estate to a leading figure in iGaming consulting, Ilya Machavariani’s career path has been anything but conventional. Machavariani answers SBC Eurasia’s 10 questions about the pivotal moments of his journey, the challenges of building a business from scratch, and his insights into the ever-evolving iGaming landscape.
SBC is enhancing its North and South America-focused event, SBC Summit Americas, debuting in Fort Lauderdale (Florida) this year, with the addition of two dedicated side summits focused on affiliation and payments. Meanwhile, Superbet Brazil CEO Alex Fonseca tells the new issue of SBC Leaders magazine that success in Brazil is likely to prove tough for operators despite the regulation of the market.
The governance of Romania’s gambling sector has come under scrutiny following revelations that the National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has failed in its supervision of licences and tax collection duties. While the Czech Republic’s Financial Authority, Finanční Správa, has uncovered large-scale tax evasion by gambling operators, preventing budget losses of over CZK 540 million (approximately €22 million).
Finland’s gambling market is evolving, as the government and policy advisors have decided to end decades of monopoly control to establish a competitive licensing system, scheduled to launch by 2027.
Football sponsorships provide high visibility for operators and much-needed funds for clubs and leagues. Yet betting sponsorships are at risk of being frozen out following regulatory moves in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. However, the Senate of Italy is prepared to review the Dignity Decree of 2018 to either revoke or modify the ban on gambling sponsorship, enforced since 2019.
Bwin has officially linked up with Paris FC to become a major partner of the French club. While football legend Eric Cantona has been appointed as an ambassador for La Française des Jeux (FDJ) to promote the new retail and online updates of the bookmaker network ParionsSport in France.
In line with growing concerns over offshore betting and gambling advertisements, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). While the Philippines has been removed from the international ‘grey list’ of jurisdictions placed under enhanced watch for strategic deficiencies in efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has unveiled an updated supervisory strategy for 2025, focusing on compliance with regulatory standards, player protection, and ensuring the integrity of sports betting. While the Curacao Gambling Association (CGA) will strengthen player protection, social responsibility measures and compliance as it reforms.
Macau has been included on Donald Trump’s list of specific “foreign adversaries.” The memorandum, titled “Investing in America First,” outlines plans to impose investment restrictions in the listed regions as Trump highlighted concerns about China’s use of American technology and harm to U.S. interests.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released its annual commercial gaming revenue report marking another year of record results for the industry. While International Game Technology Group Plc (IGT) has reported robust financial results for 2024, closing a transformative year for its business which has become a pure-play lottery systems technology supplier once more.
Better Collective A/S continues to navigate adjustments in the US and Brazilian markets, as leadership introduces its 2027 sustainability target to restore the business to organic growth. While Tabcorp reported the impact of its new Victorian rates licence, as well as cost optimisation and market competitiveness, to drive group revenue up 10.1% year-on-year.
Weeks after completing a A$1.85 billion (US$1.17 billion) share buyback program in the market, gaming provider Aristocrat Leisure Limited has launched a new share buyback program worth up to A$750 million (US$475 million).
Entain Australia CFO Lachlan Fitt has resigned from the company. Entain NZ managing director Cameron Rodger has also confirmed his resignation.
Hong Kong is considering legalizing basketball betting as a way to boost additional revenue for the government. The city’s financial chief, Paul Chan Mo-po, is exploring various solutions to address a budget deficit. One potential solution is expanding legal sports betting.
Galaxsys has announced the expansion of its presence in Ukraine through a new partnership with Casino UA. This agreement aims to strengthen the company’s position in the European market, with the goal of increasing player engagement through its portfolio of slots.
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