Europe NEWS

The UK land-based gambling sector has faced significant challenges in recent years due to business inactivity during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and rising operating costs. As a result, many venues have closed, impacting local communities through the loss of jobs and decreased economic activity. The government hopes that these will help to revitalize the sector while ensuring adequate protections are in place for consumers.

In May 2023, the government initiated a regulatory reform program known as the ‘smarter regulation programme’. The aim of this programme is to enhance regulation and guidance for businesses, ensuring clarity, proportionality, and the removal of unnecessary burdens that could stifle innovation and growth.

As part of this initiative, the t (DCMS) released a white paper in April 2023. This document outlined the government’s plans to modernize the regulation of the gambling sector, with a particular focus on land-based gambling. The white paper proposed several key measures to update the outdated currently applied to the sector.

Between 26 July and 4 October 2023, the DCMS conducted a public consultation on these measures. After analyzing the evidence submitted, the government has decided to implement several measures:

• Relaxation of casino rules: This includes allowing 1968 Act casinos to increase their number of gaming machines to 80 if they meet the size requirements of a Small 2005 Act casino. Smaller 1968 Act casinos will be allowed more than 20 machines, on a pro-rata basis commensurate to their size, and betting will be permitted in all casinos.
• Machines in arcades and bingo halls: A 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines will be allowed in arcades and bingo halls, implemented on a device type basis.
• Cashless payments on gaming machines: The prohibition on the direct use of debit cards on gaming machines will be removed, subject to the introduction of appropriate player protection measures.
• Introduction of a legal age limit of 18 for certain gaming machines: To protect children and young people, anyone under the age of 18 will be banned from playing low stake Category D slot-style machines that pay out cash.
• Licensing authority fees: The maximum chargeable premises licensing fees will be increased by 15 percent.

The consultation received 87 responses from a wide variety of stakeholders, including researchers, adult gaming centre operators, bingo operators, campaign organizations, casino operators, individuals, local authorities, pub representatives, and responses from the wider gambling industry.

The government’s response provides non-remote gambling operators with clear notice of the intention to introduce the measures set out within this government response. Following the publication of this response, six regulations will be laid before Parliament.

The government is committed to ensuring that the regulation of land-based gambling is fit for the modern age and is proportionate to the risk associated with the gambling products on offer. However, it recognizes that a minority of customers do experience gambling-related harm and that it is necessary to have safeguards in place to protect customers.

Jan Hagelberg, the Senior Vice President of International Business at Finland's Veikkaus, (photo above), has projected that the Finnish authorities will commence the issuance of gambling licenses by September 2026. Hagelberg expressed , “We understand the business, and there’s a lot happening: technological advancements, responsibilities, platforms, and new talent from companies like Kindred. We’ve even recruited individuals from PokerStars. We’re quite busy on all fronts.”

This prediction comes as Finland prepares to inaugurate its regulated market, with the government pledging to implement the new system no later than 2026. This represents a significant shift from the current monopoly model, where the state-owned Veikkaus holds exclusive rights to offer iGaming and sports betting. The existing system has largely been deemed unsuccessful in achieving its channelization objectives, with a substantial portion of revenue remaining in the unregulated segment.

Legal advisor Antti Koivula, a Finnish market expert at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law, indicated that some form of Payment Service Provider (PSP) payments blocking would likely persist under the new regime. This system, introduced in 2023, has been criticized for its ineffectiveness.

Currently, no entities are listed on the Finnish National Police Board’s (NPB) BML Group, was the first to be blacklisted in February, following a decision by the Helsinki Administrative Court. However, the order was suspended by the Supreme Administrative Court pending the conclusion of the case.

Mansoori added, “Once the licence regime is implemented, the circumstances would be much more challenging for the operators – because then you cannot just change companies, you need to have a Finnish license at that time.”

Influencers and streamers may face stringent regulations however a balanced system would see the government concentrate on areas with a high prevalence of underage users, such as certain social media platforms. This approach would ensure the protection of vulnerable groups while allowing the industry to flourish in a regulated environment.

The Finnish gambling landscape is set for a significant transformation come 2026. As the country moves away from a state monopoly towards a regulated market, the industry is poised for exciting times ahead. The journey may be fraught with challenges and controversies, but the potential rewards promise a vibrant and thriving gaming sector.

Blask, a pioneering company in iGaming analytics from Limassol, Cyprus, is excited to announce the launch of its AI-based market analytics tool designed specifically for the iGaming industry. This cutting-edge solution empowers iGaming operators, affiliates, and platform providers with unparalleled clarity about the market and their performance within it, revolutionizing their brand marketing approach and other GGR-driving activities. Blask has already secured the support of strategic partners Yolo Investments and Oakvale Capital and early adopters of the product, including BC.Game, , Sportingtech, and Already Media.

One of Blask's most innovative features is the Blask Index. This metric serves as a barometer for the iGaming industry, similar to how the Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average gauge the U.S. stock market. By analysing extensive search data, the Blask Index provides a comprehensive overview of the iGaming market's size and individual brands' market share within a particular country, offering valuable insights into the industry's overall health and sentiment.

In addition to the Blask Index, the platform offers a range of powerful tools, including Relative Market Share, Market Dynamics, and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) prediction. These features enable brands to benchmark their performance against competitors, identify areas for improvement, and uncover potential expansion opportunities.
The platform is powered by two SOTA (state-of-the-art) models that work in tandem to extract features from over 1 billion data points, including 450 active brands. Our custom-built Computer Vision Model is designed to identify and classify iGaming-related websites with exceptional accuracy of up to 91%. In addition, our Natural Language Processing (NLP) Model is fine-tuned to understand the unique language and terminology used within the iGaming industry and has multiple language capabilities. With the automated brand discovery and up to 1 hour of data granularity, businesses can make informed strategic and tactical decisions, from analyzing a Sunday football match’s impact on market performance to deciding which new markets to enter.

"We are excited to introduce Blask to the iGaming industry. This is the product that I wish I had access to when I acted as the CMO of a leading iGaming company. The clarity it provides leaders to make informed decisions can drive significant GGR increases," said Dmitry Belianin, Blask's co-founder. "Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a solution that offers unparalleled market insights, with a cutting-edge use of AI technology," co-founder and CEO Max Tesla added.

About Blask:

Founded by visionaries Dmitry Belianin and Max Tesla, Blask is a pioneering company reshaping the landscape of iGaming analytics. With a team of 33 brilliant minds, Blask is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions and empowering leaders to make fast, data-driven decisions.

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) confirmed that the third White Paper consultation will focus entirely on the land-based gaming sector.

Speaking at the Bingo Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024, Rhodes provided insights into the . Rhodes addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of collaboration and data-driven decision-making in the gambling sector.

Rhodes began by expressing his enthusiasm to update the attendees on the Commission's work since the previous AGM, emphasising the ongoing efforts to implement the White Paper effectively. He underscored the role of the Government's policy in shaping the future of gambling across England, Scotland, and Wales, emphasising the need to prioritise its successful implementation for the benefit of all involved.

"The White Paper and the Government policy it contained was a signal moment for gambling in Great Britain
and a once in a generation opportunity to deliver positive change."

Rhodes also shed light on the Commission's commitment to enhancing the evidence base around gambling, citing the importance of accurate data for effective regulation. He highlighted the following priority areas where the GC wants to see more research being conducted, namely:

• early gambling experiences and gateway products
• the range and variability of gambling experiences
• gambling-related harms and vulnerability
• the impact of operator practices
• product characteristics and risk
• illegal gambling and crime.

Rhodes also mentioned ongoing stakeholder engagement initiatives and collaborations with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to ensure a coordinated approach to implementing regulatory changes.

During his , Rhodes discussed the various consultations conducted by the Commission, including topics such as Financial Risk Checks and regulatory returns. He highlighted upcoming changes, such as the tightening of age verification processes and the introduction of new rules affecting land-based licensees. These adjustments, outlined in the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), are set to be implemented in stages from August 2024 to February 2025.

Croatian Baby Lasagna is the hot favourite for the Eurovision final, and it's creating quite a buzz! "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" wasn't even supposed to be in the running at Croatia's Dora event. It all happened because another singer, Zsa Zsa, had to pull out last minute. Baby Lasagna's performance is a crazy mix of rock and techno that somehow just works. The song tackles a serious topic but keeps things fun and engaging. Croatia's entry currently leads with a 41% chance of winning, suggesting strong confidence among bettors.

Right behind Baby Lasagna is Israel's Eden Golan with "Hurricane," sitting pretty as the second favourite with a 26% chance of winning. Eden's powerhouse vocals and the emotional punch of her song set her apart. She's one of the few belting out a ballad this year, amidst all the pop and comedy acts. If she delivers live like she does on record, she's sure to make a lasting impression. Israel's entry has a 22% chance of winning.

Switzerland's Nemo and his song "The Code" are holding strong in third place with an 11% chance of victory. Mixing rap, drum & bass, and space opera sounds like a recipe for chaos, but somehow Switzerland makes it work. It's bold, in-your-face, and just the right amount of intense to keep you hooked. “The Code” is given an 11% chance of winning, with odds ranging from 6 to 8.5.

Down the line in fourth place is France's Slimane with "Mon Amour," bringing that classic French charm we are used to. Slimane's raw vocals and emotional delivery hit all the right notes, even if he's not leading the pack in the odds with a 6% chance of lifting the crystal microphone. It's quality music that speaks for itself, and sometimes that's all you need to make an impact.

Clinching the final spot in the top 5 of the Eurovision 2024 odds is Ireland’s Bambie Thug with “Doomsday Blue”. The Emerald Isle has finally decided to throw a bit of pizzazz into the Eurovision mix! Bambie's entry is much more than a song, it's a full-on Ouija-Pop spell. Win or lose, they're the talk of the town. The song is given a 4% chance to win.

Every year, the world collectively holds its breath as countries battle it out on stage with a mix of heartfelt ballads, catchy pop tunes, and the occasional entry that leaves you scratching your head in confusion. So, grab your popcorn, settle in for a night of glittery madness, and let the Eurovision extravaganza begin!

Shohei Ohtani, has agreed to plead guilty to US charges of illegally transferring nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account. This case has shocked baseball fans in both Japan and America, highlighting the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to financial fraud.

The world of baseball was rocked by a shocking revelation when agreed to plead guilty to US charges of illegally transferring nearly $17 million from the athlete’s bank account. This case has sent shockwaves through baseball fans in Japan and America alike, highlighting the vulnerability of high-profile athletes to financial fraud.

Mizuhara, who had been a constant companion to Ohtani since the baseball star’s stint in the US started in 2018, was entrusted with significant responsibilities due to Ohtani’s language barrier. From answering questions at news conferences to transacting with financial advisers and opening bank accounts, Mizuhara was deeply involved in Ohtani’s affairs. However, this position of trust was exploited for personal gain.

Prosecutors allege that Mizuhara used his access to Ohtani’s finances to fuel a dangerous gambling habit. He is accused of calling bank officials and falsely identifying himself as Ohtani to authorize wire transfers from Ohtani’s bank account to associates of an illegal gambling operation. Additionally, Mizuhara allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Ohtani’s account.

The charges against Mizuhara are severe. The bank fraud charge carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, while the false tax return charge could result in up to three years in jail. As part of a deal with Los Angeles prosecutors, Mizuhara will plead guilty to these charges, and in exchange, prosecutors would recommend a reduced sentence.

The impact of this scandal extends beyond the legal implications for Mizuhara. Ohtani, who had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award and signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers, expressed his shock and sadness at the betrayal by someone he had trusted.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by high-profile athletes and the importance of financial vigilance. As Ohtani continues his successful career on the field, the baseball community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this off-field drama unfolds.

In another initiative to protect vulnerable customers, the has confirmed a series of measures that will impose additional checks on online gamblers who lose £500 or more per month, starting from August.

The threshold for these additional checks will be reduced to £150 of online betting losses per month from 28 February of the following year. Furthermore, certain features of online casinos and poker platforms that give players an illusion of control, including “turbo” and “slam stops”, will be banned from 17 January. This ban also extends to autoplay and sounds and visuals that celebrate returns less than or equal to the stake.

These measures follow the publication of a government white paper on gambling reform last year, which proposed a mandatory levy to fund addiction treatment, education, and research, as well as affordability checks and new online slot machine limits.

Impact on Gamblers

From August, operators will use publicly available data to identify customers who might be financially vulnerable. This includes those subject to bankruptcy orders or with a history of unpaid debts. Gambling companies could encourage customers deemed to be at risk from harm to set a deposit limit, or in more extreme cases, limit the amount the customer spends or close their account entirely.

The regulator also announced a pilot of financial assessments for customers at risk of losing large amounts in a short time. The aim is to reduce instances of rapid financial loss.

a charity that supports families bereaved by gambling-related suicide and campaigns for change, said that intervention needs to be early and effective. Carolyn Harris, a Labour MP who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on gambling-related harm, said that the proposals were a step in the right direction, but that stronger action was needed on gambling sponsorship and marketing.

Andrew Rhodes, the chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said the rules were being introduced after a consultation process with customers and other parties. He emphasized the need to balance protecting people from the potentially life-ruining effects of gambling-related harm and respecting the freedom of adults to engage in an activity that the vast majority do so without experiencing harm.

has announced its decision to divest its B2C Italian brand, Newgioco This strategic move was disclosed in an SEC filing dated 30 April, revealing that the parent company of Newgioco, Multigioco Srl, is set to be acquired by an undisclosed buyer.

The completion of this transaction is contingent upon obtaining regulatory approvals from the Agenzia delle Doganee dei Monopoli (ADM), and clearance from the Italian antitrust competition agency, Autorità Garante della Concorrenzae del Mercato. Once these conditions are met and the sale is approved by an Italian notary, Elys will detail the sale in a future 8-K SEC filing¹.

Newgioco, although not a dominant player in the Italian gaming market, has been operating since 2015 when it first received trademark approval from the Italian authorities. The brand is part of Elys BMG Group’s journey, which saw a rebranding from Newgioco Group to Elys Game Technology in 2020 to better penetrate the burgeoning US sports betting market.

In January 2024, the company underwent another rebranding to become Elys BMG Group. However, in October 2023, Elys was de-listed from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to its share price falling below the $1.00 minimum required by listing rules. Despite this setback, Elys announced its entry into the US B2C space through its newly created SportsBet.com brand in the same month.

Elys’ strategic divestment of Newgioco marks a new chapter in its corporate narrative, reflecting its focus on expanding its footprint in the lucrative US market. This move follows Elys’ market access deal with Caesars in November, which paved the way for the brand to launch in Colorado, its first state.

Elys BMG Group, originally incorporated in 1998, has a rich history in the gaming industry. The company was formerly known as Elys Game Technology, Corp. and changed its name to Elys BMG Group, Inc. in January 2024. The company is based in Toronto, Canada, with its headquarters in Las Vegas, NV.

Elys BMG Group offers a full suite of gaming products and services to clients in Italy, where it processes nearly $1-billion in handle, producing annual revenue of roughly $50 million. The company is developing a rapidly-growing footprint in the U.S., with operations in five states already and new jurisdictions expected, as more states authorize wagering.

The company’s stock price history shows a journey of ups and downs. The latest closing stock price for Elys BMG as of October 2023, was $0.41. Despite being de-listed from the Nasdaq stock exchange in October 2023, the company continues to innovate and expand, particularly in the U.S. market.

The Swedish government has recently proposed to discontinue the Casino Cosmopol land-based casino business of state-owned operator Svenska Spel. In a memorandum filed on 7th May 2024, the government stated that Casino Cosmopol “no longer fulfils its purpose” and highlighted the ongoing challenges for the business to reach profitability.

The government does not anticipate the proposed closure to have any “major impact” on illegal gambling in Sweden. If the measure passes, a condition in for the right to operate land-based casinos would be removed. Consequently, e, located in Stockholm. The closure, expected to occur on or before 1 January 2026, would impact approximately 200 jobs.

Svenska Spel has acknowledged the struggles of Casino Cosmopol. The company shares the government’s assessment of reasons for closure, noting the lack of opportunity to reach profitability as visitor numbers fall with more people opting to gamble online.

Svenska Spel once operated four casino locations in Sweden. The first to close was the casino in Sundsvall in 2020. More recently, the company announced the permanent closure of its casinos in Gothenburg and Malmö due to limited profitability. The decision was announced in January of this year.

Svenska Spel CEO Erik Strand stated, “The movement from gambling in land-based casinos to gambling online accelerated after the reregulation of the gambling market in 2019 and the subsequent pandemic, when Casino Cosmopol remained closed.” He added, “We share the assessment that it is no longer possible to run Casino Cosmopol profitably.”

CEO Ola Enquist also accepted the news but described the move as an “end of an era”. He said, “Although we share the government’s assessment, it is emotional to take part in the bill. If it is adopted, it means that our last casino is closing and that an era is over.”

Recent financial results published by Svenska Spel show where Casino Cosmopol sits compared to its other businesses. In 2023, the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas arm posted a 12.0 percent drop in revenue to SEK942m (£69.3m/€80.7 million/$86.9 million). This decline was attributed to a decrease in casino visitors in response to the rising popularity of online casino gaming.

In contrast, Svenska Spel reported growth elsewhere. Revenue from the Tur lottery division climbed 0.6% higher at SEK4.92bn, while revenue from Sport & Casino was up 4.6 percent to SEK2.17 billion. Looking at net gaming revenue per sales channel, casino revenue fell 11.4 percent to SEK473million, while the online sector saw revenue grow 7.2 percent to SEK4.20 billion.

As for the most recent quarter, the closure of the two casino sites hit the Casino Cosmopol & Vegas segment, with revenue down 31.6 percent to SEK169 million. In addition to the closures, the group also reduced the operating hours of its remaining Stockholm venue.

In addition to these challenges, Casino Cosmopol has faced regulatory issues in recent months. In December, the casino was fined SEK2m for anti-money laundering failings after a probe by Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen. Svenska Spel was also warned over the matter.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP), a prestigious event that has been the pinnacle of the poker world for decades, is set to make a grand return to Northern Europe. This July, the Estonian capital, Tallinn, will play host to this much-anticipated event.

The WSOP event, scheduled to take place from 19 to 28 July, is a collaboration between the OlyBet Group and GGPoker. The venue for this grand event is the Olympic Park Casino and Hilton Hotel, a location that promises to offer an unforgettable experience to all attendees.

The event is expected to draw thousands o, all vying for the coveted WSOP gold ring. The main event tournament boasts a guaranteed prize pool of €1m ($1.07m), making it one of the most lucrative poker tournaments in the world.

In addition to the main event, the WSOP festival will feature 12 ‘ring events.’ Winners of these ring events will not only receive a cash prize but also a guaranteed entry to next year’s tournament and a World Series of Poker gold ring. The festival will also host over 40 side events and round-the-clock Cash Games, ensuring non-stop action for the entire duration of the event.

OlyBet, part of the Olympic Entertainment Group, is a renowned sports and gaming entertainment brand with partners across Europe. It is also a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and an official sponsor of Spain’s top football league, LaLiga. OlyBet’s commitment to integrity and fair play makes it an ideal host for the WSOP event.

The city of Tallinn is no stranger to hosting major poker events. Earlier this year, it hosted the 10th edition of the Kings of Tallinn festival, which featured over 50 tournaments, including the main event. The success of this event has undoubtedly set the stage for the upcoming WSOP event. The upcoming WSOP event in Tallinn promises to be a thrilling experience for poker enthusiasts worldwide. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Tallinn is all set to become the new poker capital of Northern Europe. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable poker experience this July!