SBC Eurasia Editorial Team is happy to present a quick recap of the gambling industry events, news, regulations, and partnerships that happened last week.
How has the iGaming industry transformed over the past 20 years, and what does it take to lead at its forefront? This episode of iGaming Accent offers a fascinating look through the eyes of Glenn Debattista, COO at BetStarters, who has not only witnessed but actively driven much of that change.
Malta’s gaming scene is about to come alive as 6,000 professionals gather for the first-ever SBC Summit Malta – a next-level evolution of the beloved CasinoBeats Summit. Taking place at the InterContinental in St Julian’s from 10–12 June, the event will serve as Europe’s strategic iGaming hub – uniting 2,000 betting and iGaming operators, 750 affiliates, and thousands more from game studios, sportsbooks, payment providers, regulatory bodies, and marketing professionals for three intense days of dealmaking, complimented by numerous learning opportunities.
Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Belarus, has hinted at the possibility of legal changes to prevent gambling revenue from exiting the country, stating that these funds should be invested locally. While a draft law has been submitted to the lower house of the Russian parliament that proposes fines for individuals involved in gambling who have imposed a self-exclusion ban on themselves.
Romania will adopt a new comprehensive self-exclusion programme designed by the reforms of the Save Romania Union (USR) Party. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is facing mounting criticism over the government’s inaction against illegal online gambling operations.
Ahead of significant market reforms in Finland, the country’s state owned operator, Veikkaus has partnered with OpenBet for the launch of its new sports betting platform. While OPAP S.A., the largest player in Greece’s gambling market, has strengthened its position in the online segment, reporting a 20% growth in iGaming in the Q1 of 2025.
Xanada Investments, a company investing in iGaming startups, has announced a strategic partnership with Tequity. While Oddin.gg has announced a new partnership, which will fuel AdmiralBet’s push into the online betting market in Poland.
The government of Italy is reported to be in favour of delaying retail gambling measures and related tax reforms until August 2026. While the possibility of the Netherlands‘ gambling reforms pressing ahead is under question after a collapse within the governing coalition threw the nation’s politics into shambles.
Spelinspektionen, Sweden’s gaming regulator, has issued over SEK19m (£1.5m) in penalty fees to three operators for AML shortcomings. While the Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning to BetMGM for violating advertising laws after a promotional article featuring FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal appeared on a news website.
European schools, health agencies and youth bodies have been advised to prioritise mental well-being and prevention activities to help teenagers avoid or overcome negative addiction outcomes. The recommendations form part of the Eighth European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), undertaken by EUDA, the European Union Drug Agency.
The President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has taken the country one step closer towards modernising its betting and gaming market. While Bangladesh has renewed its fight against online gaming after the adoption of a new law.
Thailand is approaching a landmark moment when it comes to the unfolding of its integrated resorts framework. While the Isle of Man’s Government has warned that there is “limited appetite” for iGaming businesses with links to East or Southeast Asia due to the threat of “criminal infiltration”.
Last week, the Philippines witnessed a major shake-up in its gaming sector as the entire board of directors of PAGCOR, including Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, resigned.
Australia’s financial intelligence unit, AUSTRAC, has ordered two casinos — Ville Resort-Casino (Townsville, Queensland) and Mindil Beach Casino Resort (Darwin) — to undergo external audits due to potential breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws. While Tabcorp may be heading for serious disagreements with the hospitality and entertainment industry – particularly hotels, pubs, and leisure venues – over a key reform in its retail operations.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has awarded a Gaming Related Vendor Licence to Fennica Gaming.
bet365 hosted its final Big Ticket Giveaway Game at the UEFA Champions League over the weekend, having now given away a total 2,600 tickets to fans from online and in-person activations.
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