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The operator of Adelaide Casino, SkyCity, may encounter substantially heightened penalties, potentially reaching up to AUD75 million (€45.6 million) if found guilty of misconduct. This significant increase, proposed as part of an overhaul of South Australia’s (SA) gambling laws, aims to hold the state’s sole casino license holder accountable and align penalties with community expectations.
Addressing regulatory concernsABC News quoted Australia’s Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels as emphasizing the necessity to ensure fines serve as a genuine deterrent rather than merely a cost of business. The proposed legislation, to be introduced to parliament, seeks to not only raise penalties for criminal offences but also cover past and future conduct, enabling retrospective fines.
AUSTRAC allegations and financial RamificationsThe proposed changes follow the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre’s (AUSTRAC) allegations of systemic non-compliance against SkyCity, including failure to carry out due diligence on numerous customers. SkyCity’s decision to increase reserves for potential civil penalties from AUD45 million (€27.3 million) to $73 million (€44.4 million) underscores the seriousness of the matter.
Regulatory oversight and accountabilityActing Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Fraser Stroud highlighted the imperative of updating South Australia’s legislation, citing penalties issued in other states exceeding AUD100 million (€60.8 million). The proposed amendments aim to enhance accountability and ensure appropriate regulatory oversight of casino operations.
Political response and public scrutinySA independent MP Frank Pangallo welcomed the proposed penalty changes, advocating for stringent regulation of SkyCity’s operations. Opposition leader David Speirs acknowledged the need to modernize casino laws and expresses tentative support for the government’s proposal, pending further review of the details.
Consultation and legislative processConsumer Affairs Minister Michaels affirms the government’s commitment to consulting parliament on the proposed changes once the bill is introduced. The outcome of this legislative initiative will likely shape the future regulatory landscape for Adelaide’s casino industry.
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South Africa’s primary opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has taken a significant step towards regulating online gaming. After over two years of meticulous drafting and expert consultations, the DA has formally introduced the Remote Gambling Bill of 2024 to Parliament. The bill is championed by MP Dean Macpherson, the DA’s Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition.
The DA’s initiative is a response to the African National Congress (ANC)’s significant oversight in failing to provide adequate protection and regulation within the online gambling industry. The ANC, South Africa’s ruling party, has left a legal gap in the industry, as the National Gambling Amendment Act, assented to by the President in 2008 to regulate online gambling, has not yet been implemented.
The lack of regulation is concerning, given the substantial growth and advances in online usage since then. The absence of regulation not only encourages the erosion of the rule of law and criminal activity but also leaves the public unprotected compared to land-based gaming operations. Furthermore, it results in the loss of billions of Rands in revenue and jobs to other gambling jurisdictions.
Bill will also regulate advertisingThe Remote Gambling Bill aims to regulate the issuance of licenses, which will be controlled by the relevant provincial authorities instead of the centralized national gambling board. The DA argues that the national gambling board is now merely “a shadow of itself.” The bill will establish procedures to raise objections to licenses, regulate the advertising of interactive and online gambling entities, provide protection for minors and vulnerable persons, and ensure compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).
With the upcoming national and provincial elections on 29 May, the ANC is projected to fall significantly below the 50 percent majority mark. This means that in the new Parliament, the ANC will no longer have the majority to reject legislation on frivolous grounds simply because it originates from an opposition party. Bills like the Remote Gambling Bill are crucial to protect the most vulnerable people. With the ANC below 50 percent, the DA can ensure that this will be the first of many bills introduced to rescue South Africa. This development marks a new era in the regulation of online gambling in South Africa.
In 2023, France’s sports betting and gaming operators witnessed a significant milestone. Their gross gaming revenues (GGR) rose by 3.5 percent year-on-year, reaching a record €13.4 billion. This growth was observed across all market verticals, marking the highest level of activity ever recorded by the sector.
The national regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), attributed this growth to a period of stabilization in 2022, linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the ANJ also issued a reminder to operators about the need for responsible gambling practices. With major events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, operators were urged to ensure that intensification of playing patterns does not accelerate in 2024.
Comparison to overall European marketThe growth of the gambling sector in France, as indicated by a 3.5 percent increase in Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) to €13.4 billion in 2023, is noteworthy. The European gambling market, which includes both online and offline sectors, accounts for 49 percentof the global market. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) provides an overview of the online gambling operations of its members within the EU and UK. However, specific growth rates for individual countries in 2023 are not readily available.
In terms of the sports betting industry, Europe is currently estimated to be worth $44.5 million (approximately €41.5 million), with forecasts predicting its value to reach $89.9 million (approximately €83.9 million) by 2030.
While these figures provide a broad overview, the growth rates can vary significantly between countries and sectors (online vs offline, types of gambling, etc.). Therefore, while France’s growth is impressive, it’s important to consider it in the context of these broader trends and variations across Europe.
The growth of France’s gambling sector is in line with the general upward trend observed in Europe, albeit with country-specific and sector-specific variations. The challenge for all countries, including France, will be to balance this growth with the need for responsible gambling practices. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming major sporting events like the Euro 2024 football tournament and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Despite the impressive growth, French operators lagged slightly behind the European market growth rate of 5.5 percent (or €134 billion GGR). However, the ANJ noted that France’s growth was in line with other major markets such as Germany, the UK, and Spain.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of ANJ, commented on the sector’s performance, stating, “The healthy state of the market demonstrates that demanding regulation is not a brake on development. This growth makes the objective of reducing the number of excessive gamblers, which the ANJ has placed at the heart of its action for the coming years, all the more relevant.”
Closer look at the numbersFrancaise des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU, with €6.6 billion and €1.7 billion respectively, generated 62.7 percent of the overall GGR. FDJ’s land-based and online sports betting grew by 10.4 percent to €1 billion, accounting for 16.2 percent of the group’s total GGR. Following its integration of online horse racing tote operator ZEturf in Q3, FDJ is now present in all online gaming segments.
PMU’s business grew by 1 percent in 2023, reaching €1.7 billion in GGR, marking a return to its pre-pandemic levels. The group also modified five of its products and optimized its racing calendar to boost its business.
French casino operators’ GGR grew by 8 percent to a record €2.7 billion. Almost 74 percent of the country’s 200 land-based establishments returned to higher levels than in 2019. Slot machines contributed more than 80% of the GGR. Paris, the capital, counts seven gaming clubs, and their GGR rose by almost 11 percent to €119 million in 2023.
Online operators’ GGR was up 7.2 percent to €2.3 billion, representing 17.5 percent of the total market. The digital segment is driven by sports betting at 63 percent, online poker at 21.6 percent, and online horse racing tote betting at 15 percent.
While the total number of unique players rose to 3.6 million, online sports betting was the only segment not to see an increase in the number of active accounts. However, its GGR was still up by 6.4 percent to €1.5 billion, and stakes were up 2.2 percent to €8.5 billion.
The lack of a major sporting event appears to have led to a decrease in the pool of unique players. This lack of new player accounts was offset by an increase in the average stakes per active account of 6.3 percent to €1,982. The ANJ warned that this may lead to more intensive gambling practices.
Online horse race betting returned to growth, with its GGR up by almost 2 percent to €353 million and stakes of €1.5 billion at 5 percent. The number of activities rose by 4.5 percent, and unique players were up by 1.5 percent, indicating that horse racing tote betting is attracting new players.
Online poker saw a strong upturn in activity, surpassing the records set during the health (COVID) crisis with its GGR up 14 percent to €504 million. The ANJ noted that from 2019-2023, the segment’s growth has been significant.
In conclusion, while France’s gambling sector has seen impressive growth, the challenge lies in balancing this growth with responsible gambling practices. As the sector continues to evolve, the role of regulators like the ANJ will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable and responsible gambling environment.
SiGMA Americas flawlessly combined luxury with generosity at a fundraising art auction held at the Um Rooftop São Paulo, Brazil. The auction, which took place during SiGMA’s Americas Awards 2024 evening, raised over €14,000 for the SiGMA Foundation’s 2024 global charity projects.
The evening not only honoured industry accomplishments but also demonstrated the power of unity in supporting meaningful initiatives, leaving a lasting impression of compassion and community spirit.
The event received generous support from SmartSoft Gaming, a unique iGaming software studio that provides high-quality games to players all over the world and featured a diverse collection of donated artworks from renowned international artists. The enthusiastic crowd engaged in spirited bidding wars, led by the energetic Rick Goddard.
Auction 1: Sold for €800 to SuperbetThe first artwork to go under the hammer was a painting, measuring 70x70cm, created using acrylic ink on paper. Peter Seychell’s piece “Last One Standing” is a captivating abstract painting that blends deep black and vibrant orange hues. The dynamic composition features powerful, jagged brush strokes and soft, billowing washes of acrylic ink, taking viewers on a uniquely emotional and evocative journey.
Auction 2: Sold for €1,300 to WA TechnologyThe second piece to be auctioned off was Edgar Mifsud’s artwork ‘Mona’s Smile’. The piece draws its inspiration from a recent protest attack on the iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa. The piece prompts a dialogue on the interplay between historical artworks and modern-day activism, challenging the audience to reflect on the enduring influence of classical art amidst the evolving landscape of contemporary artistic expression.
Auction 3: Sold for €10,000 to Focus Gaming NewsNext up was The Golden Carnival painting by Derek Mason. The artwork is an oil painting that captures the spirit of Brazil’s vibrant carnival. The painting features a woman adorned with a dazzling gold-coloured headdress, which symbolizes the extravagance and beauty of the celebration. The headdress is made of oil paints, gold leaf, and liquid gold, highlighting the wealth of this tradition. The size of the painting is 80x100cm, and it is bidding price started at €500.
Auction 4: Sold for €1,500 to Focus Gaming NewsThe second piece to be won by Focus Gaming News was “Spanish Dancer” by Tommy Zegan. The painting is a vibrant and expressive portrayal of the traditional Flamenco dance. The artwork captures the essence of this highly-expressive Spanish dance form, characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements. The use of colour, texture, and composition brings to life the energy and emotion of the dance, making it a captivating and visually stunning piece of art.
Auction 5: Sold for €800 to Payment CenterThe final piece was “Cherries”, an art piece by Angela Nikolau. It features two three-dimensional cubes with images of red hearts, reminiscent of the hearts suit in a classic deck of playing cards. The artwork also incorporates elements of dice, highlighting the connection to gambling. The silver sheen of the background embodies the glow of victory. The medium used for this piece includes canvas, rhinestones, and oil paints, with a size of 100x100cm.
Get involved with the SiGMA FoundationThe SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 and is the philanthropic arm of SiGMA Group with a mission to empower underserved individuals and communities around the world through fundraising activities, charity work, education programmes, and skills training. Find out more here.
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– Keith Marshall, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the SiGMA Foundation.