Europe NEWS

Yesterday's Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed the first reading of a bill aimed at strengthening the state’s oversight over the gambling business. The bill, backed by 272 lawmakers, was introduced in May 2023 and is now one step closer to becoming law, pending a second reading and the president’s signature.

The proposed legislation comes at a time. A petition demanding restrictions on online gambling reached the president’s table in March, reflecting growing societal concern.

The bill proposes significant changes to the current regulatory framework. It suggests abolishing the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and transferring its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry. This move is expected to streamline the regulatory process and enhance oversight.

The legislation also includes measures to further restrict online gambling games and impose a ban on advertising. It outlines tools to safeguard particularly vulnerable categories of the population and proposes tightening business control measures. These steps are seen as crucial in mitigating the potential harm caused by gambling.

Moreover, the bill provides guidelines and conditions for cancelling licenses and proposes other measures to raise the standards of gambling enterprises. These provisions aim to ensure that businesses operate responsibly and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

The gambling landscape in Ukraine has seen significant changes over the years. Gambling was officially banned in 2009, but it was legalized again in 2020. Despite the controversy surrounding the industry, it has made substantial contributions to the state’s revenue. In the first two months of 2024 alone, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023, according to Danylo Hetmantsev, the chairman of the parliamentary Finance Committee.

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 aimed at counteracting the negative effects of online gambling. The decree bans online gambling for the military until the end of martial law. This move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the potential harms of gambling and protecting its citizens.

The passage of this bill in the first reading marks a significant step towards a more regulated and responsible gambling environment in Ukraine. As it moves towards the second reading, it will be interesting to see how the proposed changes are received and what impact they will have on the future of gambling in the country.

Gambling regulations differ across countries, with varying degrees of restriction or regulation.

Italy implemented the Decreto Dignità (Dignity Decree) in early 2019, imposing a comprehensive ban on gambling marketing. This action followed a study revealing that 3% of Italians were experiencing gambling-related harm.

In contrast, Germany introduced the State Treaty on Gambling in June 2021, regarded as one of thecountries that recently revised their gambling laws.

Many European countries generally have more lenient casino and gambling laws. However, these laws can also apply to offshore gambling companies that enable customers to interact with overseas gaming firms.

Gambling regulations usually encompass all forms of gambling within a country, such as lotteries, bingo, sports betting, and casino games. They establish taxation rules and consider market development and preferences. As societal needs, community progress, and technological advancements evolve, so do active gambling legislations.

It’s crucial to distinguish between gambling regulations and gambling jurisdictions. Regulations refer to the laws governing gambling within a sovereign state. In contrast, jurisdictions oversee the business operations of the operators within the country issuing licences for global iGaming operations.

's state-owned horse race betting operator, Norsk Rikstoto, reported a 4 percent decrease in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the year 2023. Despite this decline, the operator managed to contribute NOK516 million (€44.0 million) to Norwegian equestrian sport.  

Turnover from racing products experienced a similar 4 percent decrease, amounting to NOK3.14 billion (€268.8 million). Notably, NOK1.75 billion (€149.8 million) was generated from betting on foreign horse races, highlighting the diverse nature of Norsk Rikstoto's offerings.  

After paying out NOK2.19 billion (187.5 million) in winnings to players, Norsk Rikstoto's GGR stood at NOK952.2 million (€81.5 million), reflecting the overall decline compared to the previous year. Despite this, the operator's net operating income surpassed NOK1.0 billion (€85.6 million), albeit still down by 4 percent year-on-year.  

Norsk Rikstoto emphasized its commitment to responsible gambling and operational efficiency under 's new gambling law. The operator reduced total operating expenses by 6 percent, focusing on cost optimization while maintaining a solid foundation for its operations.  

Despite the revenue decline, Norsk Rikstoto continued its significant contributions to equestrian sport in Norway. The operator paid NOK515.8 million (€44.1 million) to good causes in the sector, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the community and creating positive societal impact.  

In a Gaming Intelligence report, Norsk Rikstoto's managing director, Camilla Garmann, was quoted highlighting the importance of equestrian sport in Norwegian society, emphasizing its role in inclusion, health, and job creation. The operator remains dedicated to supporting equestrian activities and distributing profits to various stakeholders within the industry.  

While facing a revenue decline in 2023, Norsk Rikstoto maintains its focus on responsible gambling, operational efficiency, and supporting Norwegian equestrian sport. Despite challenges, the operator continues to play a vital role in contributing to the welfare of the community and promoting the sport of horse racing in the country.  

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 3 – 5 June. Find all the details .

Svenska Spel, a major player in the gaming industry, recently disclosed its Q1 2024 financial results, which painted a picture of mixed fortunes. The company’s net revenue for the quarter was SEK1.96 billion ($0.18 billion), marking a marginal 1 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. This dip in revenue has been attributed to the restructuring efforts within the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area.

A detailed examination of the revenue reveals that the net gaming revenue for the Casino Cosmopol and Vegas business area plummeted by 32 percent to SEK 169 million. This downturn was primarily due to the extensive restructuring of Casino Cosmopol, the closure of Casino Cosmopol branches in Malmo and Gothenburg, and reduced operating hours at the remaining Stockholm casino.

The sports and casino business area also experienced a revenue decline of 3 percent to SEK 549 million. This decrease is linked to less favourable outcomes for the pool games.

Despite these challenges, , registering a 6 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The online segment generated a total of SEK 1.09bn, accounting for 56 percent of the group’s total revenue for the quarter.

The Lottery division, also known as Tur, had a successful quarter with net gaming revenue rising by 6 percent to SEK1.24 billion. This growth was fuelled by the Eurojackpot and the sustained sales growth of the game Triss.

However, the operating profit for the first quarter took a significant hit, plunging by 49 percent to SEK 310 million. Svenska Spel attributed this decline to several costs incurred during the quarter, including the liquidation of the casinos in Malmo and Gothenburg, restructuring costs associated with the group’s review, and a penalty fee.

In a noteworthy development, Svenska Spel announced the appointment of Gustav Georgson as its new Head of Community Relations and Public Affairs at the beginning of the month. This move is expected to bolster the company’s community engagement and public relations efforts moving forward.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Svenska Spel’s Q1 2024 performance, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered by the company during this period. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Svenska Spel’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.

Svenska Spel stands among several key players, each with their unique offerings and strategies. Let’s delve into a brief comparison. Firstly, we have Goals, a company that has carved out a niche for itself in the domain of football games. Their focus on this specific area sets them apart in the gaming industry. The company offers a variety of gaming solutions, including casino and live casino games, as well as sports gaming solutions. Then there’s Flax Innovations, a B2B Sports Tech company that has chosen to specialize in interactive betting solutions. Its focus on this particular aspect of the industry differentiates them from their competitors.

The gaming industry is a dynamic and competitive field, with each of these competitors bringing unique strategies to the table. When comparing them, it’s important to consider factors such as market share, revenue growth, product offerings, customer base, and technological advancements.

It’s also worth noting that the performance of Svenska Spel and its competitors have been influenced by regulatory changes, technological innovations, market trends, and consumer preferences.

The UK National Lottery has been a significant contributor to good causes, surpassing the £500 million mark twice in the past five quarters, marking an 18.7 percent sequential increase. This achievement has been made possible through the continuous efforts of from Camelot in 2023.

Allwyn’s takeover was marked by a strong unaudited annual performance, generating double the revenue (€7.87 billion) compared to the previous corresponding period. This success has set the stage for the next phase of the National Lottery’s evolution.

In a bid to modernize the National Lottery, Allwyn has partnered with technology supplier MADIC UK. Together, they are introducing a new Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) software. This innovative solution will enable retailers to sell lottery products at checkouts, seamlessly integrated with MADIC UK’s Point-of-Sale solution.

Alex Green, Director of Channel Operations at Allwyn, expressed his delight at the partnership with MADIC UK. He emphasized Allwyn’s commitment to investing in the retail channel and future in-store technology. The introduction of innovative ways to purchase National Lottery draw games aims to make them accessible to a broader audience, both new and existing players. This aligns with Allwyn’s primary goal of raising more funds for National Lottery-funded projects.

The collaboration is expected to boost the sales of National Lottery draw-based games, including Lotto, Set For Life, EuroMillions, Thunderball, and HotPicks. A prototype of the offering will be showcased at the National Convenience Show 2024, scheduled to take place between April 29 and May 1 in Birmingham.

Emma Baillie, Solutions Management Director at MADIC UK, highlighted the integration with The National Lottery and evoPOS as a significant milestone in their product’s evolution. This integration has been a long-standing wish of their customers since the product’s launch. The partnership with Allwyn to offer this solution to all their customers marks a significant step forward in their journey.

When Allwyn took over the UK National Lottery in February 2023, it marked a significant turning point for lottery sales. The initial phase was marked by a robust unaudited annual performance, with revenues doubling to €7.87bn compared to the previous period. This promising start signaled a positive impact on lottery sales.

However, a subsequent The company attributed this downturn to unfavorable cycles of EuroMillions jackpots and limited product and channel developments towards the end of the previous license.

In response to this challenge, Allwyn shifted its focus towards modernizing the National Lottery. A strategic partnership was formed with technology supplier MADIC UK to introduce a new Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) software. This software enables retailers to sell lottery products at checkouts, fully integrated with MADIC UK’s Point-of-Sale solution. The goal is to make National Lottery draw games more accessible to a wider audience, thereby increasing sales.

While Allwyn’s takeover initially led to a surge in lottery sales, a subsequent decline was observed. However, through strategic partnerships and the introduction of innovative technology, Allwyn is taking proactive steps to boost lottery sales and continue contributing to good causes. It’s important to note that these impacts are based on the information available at the time of this response and may evolve as Allwyn continues to implement its strategies.

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),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.

The 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.”

Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) and PMU, with €6.6 billion anFDJ’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.

Kindred’s ambitious campaign, ‘Journey towards Zero’, aimed at eradicating revenue from high-risk gamblers, appears to have stumbled in its latest update. The first quarter of 2024 sa slight increase from the 3.1 percent reported in Q4 2023.

The ‘Journey towards Zero’ initiative was launched in 2021 in response to a surge in problematic gambling behaviour, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign’s goal was to become the first operator to achieve 0 percent revenue from harmful gambling by 2023, a commitment publicly made by then-CEO of Kindred, Henrik Tjärnström (pictured above). Despite Tjärnström stepping down in May of the same year, the objective remains a priority for the company.

Throughout 2023, Kindred’s revenue from high-risk players remained relatively stable, oscillating between 3.3 percent and 3.1 percent. However, the company failed to meet its target of zero revenue from harmful gambling by the end of the year. Despite this setback, The company reported that 87.1 percent of players demonstrated improved behaviour following interventions, a slight decrease from Q4 2023’s 87.4 percent.

Alexander Westrell, Director of Communications at Kindred Group, acknowledged the fluctuating revenue from high-risk players but emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more sustainable gambling experience. He noted the steady decline in harmful gambling data since 2020 and the positive impact of interventions on healthier gambling behaviour.

Westrell also highlighted the importance of open dialogue, citing the recent Sustainable Gambling Conference in London, where individuals shared their personal experiences with gambling. He expressed optimism about the role of advancing technology in detecting and intervening in harmful gambling behaviour.

Westrell called for increased engagement from regulators and industry experts to ensure a more sustainable future for the gambling industry. Despite the challenges, Kindred remains committed to its ‘Journey towards Zero’, underscoring the need for continuous effort to achieve sustainable progression.

Kindred’s transparency in reporting its progress has been appreciated by many. They have been open about their successes and setbacks, contributing to a fact-based dialogue about harmful gambling. However, some critics have labelled the initiative as a PR stunt. In response, Kindred has reiterated its commitment to the cause and highlighted the extensive work being done to ensure data reliability.

The UK House of Lords library has turned its focus towards a pressing issue - the impact of gambling marketing. This topic has been gaining traction due to the expansion of the gambling industry in recent years and the subsequent increase in gambling-related harms.

The library, known for its extensive resources and research, published an in-depth analysis earlier this week. The piece, authored by Thomas Weston, explores the role that the marketing of gambling services plays in exacerbating these harms.

Categorized under Business, Culture, Media & Sport, and Health, the publication is set to spark a debate in on 25 April 2024. As the industry continues to grow, the Lords are keen to address these issues and discuss potential solutions. 

In the world of gambling, the role of marketing strategies such as advertising and sponsorship in exacerbating problem gambling remains a contentious issue. A report by the House of Lords Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry in July 2020 highlighted a correlation between gambling advertising and problem gambling. However, it stated that no concrete evidence or research had been presented to establish a causal link between the two.

This sentiment was echoed in a Public Health England (PHE) evidence review published in September 2021. The review scrutinized studies aimed at identifying risk factors for gambling and harmful gambling. It concluded that while advertising and marketing do influence general gambling activity, there is a “lack of review-level evidence” to suggest that marketing and advertising are risk factors for harmful gambling.

The issue becomes more complex. Despite the absence of empirical evidence, several observations have been made that paint a concerning picture.

The paper refers to a 2018 report by the think tank Respublica. They estimate that nearly as. An additional third of the profit share is believed to come from those on the brink of developing gambling problems.

The exact figures on the gambling industry’s marketing spending remain elusive, shrouded in mystery. However, a glimmer of understanding comes from a 2018 report by Regulus Partners. They estimate that gambling advertising and marketing spending surged from around £1 billion in 2014 to over £1.5 billion in 2017. Considering the Gambling Commission’s estimation of the total industry revenue in the year to March 2017 being £13.8 billion, it suggests that over 10 percent of industry revenue is channelled into marketing.

Fast forward to February 2023, the Public Health journal publishes an article. They have been examining evidence on the impacts of gambling-related advertising that could lead to gambling-related harm. Their findings reveal that a higher percentage of those experiencing moderate risk or problem gambling reported that social media promotions for gambling worsened their problems compared to low-risk and non-problem gamblers.

In light of these observations, the Lords committee scrutinizing this issue is expressing skepticism about the non-existence of a link between advertising and problem gambling. They argue that it seems counter-intuitive for companies to invest increasingly large sums in advertising if they did not believe it would increase the overall amount gambled, the amount gambled with their company, or both, and subsequently result in an increase in gambling-related harms. This skepticism casts a shadow over the industry, raising questions that demand answers.

The issues are set to be discussed by the House of Lords on 25 April, 2024.

a trading update for Q1 2024. The Group’s revenue of £431 million was slightly ahead of the £420-430 million guidance range previously outlined at the FY23 Results on 26 March 2024. This represents a 2 percent increase relative to Q4 2023, reflecting a continuation of positive sequential quarter-on-quarter trends.

from Q2 2024 onwards, with full year 2024 revenue growth expected to be consistent with the mid-term target of 5-9 percent annual growth. The UK&I Online division saw continued strong customer engagement with average monthly actives +9 percent. However, revenue was down by 1 percent due to reduced sports revenues, primarily driven by increased customer investment across the Cheltenham Festival relative to the prior year.

On 26 March 2024, the Group announced its new strategy, the Value Creation Plan (VCP), and clear medium-term financial targets. These include growing revenue by 5-9 percent per year, improving adjusted EBITDA margin by approximately 100bps per year, and focusing on deleveraging to reach net leverage of 3.5x or below by the end of 2026.

In line with the VCP, the Group is set to launch a new corporate identity – evoke plc – in May 2024, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 13 May 2024. This new identity is designed to better reflect the Group’s ‘One Company’ approach.

The Group has also made significant progress in resetting its operating model, with £30 million 2024 operating cost savings being reinvested into more profitable marketing to drive growth. The strategic review of the US B2C business concluded on 28 March 2024, with the sale of selected assets and closure of remaining operations expected during 2024 subject to regulatory approvals. This is expected to deliver an ongoing EBITDA improvement of £25 million per year from 2025.

Per Widerström, CEO of 888, commented on the Q1 2024 results, stating, “I am pleased to report that Q1 2024 revenue was slightly ahead of our guidance, with strong player volumes converting into improved revenue run rates.” He added that he was delighted to outline the Group’s multi-year value creation plan alongside the full year results in March, and reported a strong quarter of progress against these plans.

Evoke plc, formerly known as 888 Holdings Plc, is a leading betting and gaming company with internationally renowned brands including William Hill, 888, and Mr Green. The decision to change the name to Evoke plc was made to better reflect the strength of the Group’s multi-brand operating model and its vision and mission to make life more interesting by delighting players with world-class betting and gaming experiences.

The name change is part of a broader strategic transformation led by CEO Per Widerström. The new strategy focuses on core markets, resets its operating model with a focus on automation and artificial intelligence, removes duplication, and delivers more cost savings. The firm will concentrate on key European markets: Denmark, Spain, Italy, and the UK.

On the cusp of its first decade, the SiGMA Group has released a special documentary to mark its 10 year anniversary celebrations. 

Charting SiGMA’s monumental journey, from humble beginnings in 2014 to an events calendar boasting no less than 6 events held across 5 continents, the documentary explores the keystone moments shaping its growth trajectory. Familiar industry faces also feature, including Emirati ambassador Sara Al Madani, Hanson Robotics’ humanoid robot, Sophia, and serial entrepreneur and marketing maverick Gary Vee.

As SiGMA Group Founder, Eman Pulis remarks, “The mantra of our company is to go global but always act local.” 

Watch the documentary in full:

A trusted authority in the industry, and a bridge between international markets, the SiGMA Group is a global events and media organisation focusing on the gambling, affiliation, and emerging technology sectors. Its unified platform blends education, regulation, innovation, and entertainment - empowering businesses for sustainable growth and providing opportunities for players, operators, and regulators to converge. 

Following the roll out of a global roadmap, SiGMA has become a catalyst for change by strategically organising summits and conferences across diverse markets. This influence extends beyond the event itself, paving the way for collaborative efforts that lead to meaningful regulatory advancements in the regions SiGMA operates in.

“You don’t get that kind of exposure at other events, the calibre of people that are involved in these events, " confirms Emirati entrepreneur, Dr Sara Al Madani.

More than just a conference

The addition of licences throughout the USA and a series of freshly inked partnerships have defined a new era for the company. The acquisition of the Brazilian iGaming Summit (BIS) marked an inaugural foray into Brazil with SiGMA Americas, while a strategic investment in Affiliate World has opened doors for SiGMA’s gaming community - bringing them closer to some of the world's top affiliates. A recent partnership with iGaming Academy will focus on developing SiGMA’s educational arm.

A cornerstone of SiGMA’s growth strategy also encompasses the Group’s charitable arm, the , emerging tech brand AIBC, B2C brand SiGMA Play, and Ikigai Ventures, a UK-based VC fund.

Commenting on the importance of incorporating philanthropy into the way SiGMA operates, Emily Micallef, CEO for SiGMA Group, says, “To tie it [the Foundation] to our events the way we do - we have the charity auction during the awards dinners - is a brilliant thing, because we’re encouraging our clients to give back at the same time.”

Join the SiGMA World Tour 2024

The SiGMA Group 2024 lineup includes global locations such as the (Dubai), (Cape Town), the (São Paulo), (Manila), (Budapest), and (Malta). SiGMA currently operates with offices in five countries: Malta, Cyprus, Serbia, Brazil, and the Philippines. 

Here's to a decade of growth and new beginnings - visit SiGMA.world to see where we’re heading next.

The Dutch courts have made a groundbreaking ruling that could potentially reshape the landscape of the online gambling industry. The Overijssel District Court decreed t and Entain, two prominent players in the industry, must reimburse all losses incurred by two of their players during the grey market era.

The lawsuits were brought against Flutter-owned PokerStars and. The crux of their argument was that these companies were operating without a license in the Netherlands’ grey market prior to the regulated market’s inception in April 2021, thereby violating Dutch law.

Interestingly, neither of these subsidiaries are currently active in the market. However, Entain is licensed and operates in the Netherlands through its BetCity brand.

According to reports, the player involved in the Bwin lawsuit is to be repaid €187,622 plus interest. This sum accounts for bets placed between January 2018 and November 2019. In the second case, Flutter is required to repay the customer $230,705 and €400 plus interest for gambling activities conducted between 2006 and 2021.

These cases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader European trend where gambling businesses are being ordered to return player losses for unlicensed betting activities. Lawyers have successfully brought similar cases forward in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. While many operators have chosen to comply with the court orders, others, notably 888, have continued to fight.

In response to these legal challenges, operators often rely on European free movement of services rules as legal cover for their European grey market operations. Last year, Malta passed a law, commonly referred to as Bill 55, which aimed to shield operators from legal liability resulting from their MGA-licensed activities.

However, Bill 55 has proven to be controversial. Some, including Germany’s gambling regulator the GGL, argue that it is incompatible with European law. In July 2023, the European Commission announced that it would scrutinise the law and requested additional information from the Maltese authorities.

Historically, the Court of Justice of the European Union has been the final authority on disputes between national and supranational law. As such, the outcome of this scrutiny could have far-reaching implications for the future of the online gambling industry.