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.

La Française des Jeux (FDJ),, has reported a solid start to the year 2024. The company’s total group revenue for Q1 2024 was €710 million ($755.6 million), marking a 7 percent increase from the €662 million reported in the same period last year. However, on a like-for-like basis, this reflects a marginal growth of 1.1 percent.

The gaming revenue in France rose by 3 percent to €645 million. A significant portion of FDJ’s total quarterly earnings came from online games, which accounted for €100 million, representing 15 percent of its total gaming revenue.

The most notable growth metric was reported from other activities, which include payment and services and international operations. This segment grew 77.4 percent from Q1 2023’s €37 million to this year’s €65 million. However, on a like-for-like basis, €65 million reflects a decline of 3.7 percent.

Sports betting and competitive online gaming saw a 9.5 million year-on-year increase at €141 million. However, when excluding Zeturf, which was acquired in October and later integrated, the growth was 0.9 million.

Lottery remained the largest contributor to overall group revenue at €504 million, up 1.4 percent from last year’s €497 million. Part of this growth was attributed to the €5 ticket (Ticket d’Or) which was launched in January. However, it was also noted that, were Amigo to be excluded from the results, lottery revenue would be up 4 percent.

went live on 20 February. The operator announced its intention to acquire the company in a €2.6 billion buyout in late January. It published its intention to acquire the company later in February, with Kindred’s shareholders approving amendments to facilitate the acquisition in March.

During Q1, FDJ acquired 2.4 million Kindred shares for SEK 294 million ($26.7 million). The operator now holds 1.1 million of Kindred’s outstanding shares. Irrevocable commitments, including New York-based investment firm Eminence Capital, now represent 26.8 million of outstanding Kindred shares.

FDJ’s Chairwoman and CEO, Stéphane Pallez, (pictured above), has expressed confidence in the company’s growth and the ongoing acquisition of Kindred. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen FDJ’s position in the gaming industry.

In conclusion, FDJ’s Q1 2024 financial results reflect a promising start to the year, with significant revenue growth and strategic acquisitions. The company’s focus on expanding its online gaming business and other activities demonstrates its commitment to diversification and growth in the gaming industry. The acquisition of Kindred shares is a clear indication of FDJ’s strategic direction and ambition to become a leading player in the international gaming market.

During the afternoon of 16 April, the Netherlands’ House of Representatives made a significant decision that would reshape The representatives voted in favour of and “high-risk” online gambling, which includes slots. This move signalled a majority consensus for prohibiting all forms of targeted advertising and high-risk games such as slots.

The motions were proposed by Socialist party MP Michiel van Nispen and managed to garner just enough support to pass. The House of Representatives also approved motions for mandatory financial risk checks related to gambling and identification requirements. In total, the house voted on 114 motions during several debates held the previous week. Out of these, ten were adopted, including the ban on all online advertising and games of chance with a demonstrably high risk.

Previously, a motion for a total ban on gambling advertising proposed by MP Derk Boswijk, (pictured above), in February 2024 did not receive sufficient votes. However, a similar motion put forward by Michiel van Nispen this week managed to pass with a slim majority of 77 votes. This new ban is understood to prohibit all forms of online advertising, including targeted ads.

This decision follows the Netherlands’ untargeted advertising ban that came into effect on 1 July, 2023. As a result, mass advertising on radio, television, outdoor locations, and written media were prohibited. Sports sponsorships were also included in the ban, with a transitionary period currently in place for existing sponsorship agreements.

Another motion adopted by Van Nispen focused on online gambling with a demonstrably very high risk. The Socialist party believes that a case should be made for banning games of chance, with online slots used as the principal example. This is because players have no control over the outcome of the game. A majority of 79 MPs voted in favor of the motion.

Despite the majority support for such a ban in the House of Representatives, it will be another case to have this enshrined in law. The responsibility now falls on Franc Weerwind, the Minister for Legal Protection in the Netherlands, to review and approve the law.

Weerwind has been a strong advocate for responsible gambling but has never explicitly expressed a desire for stricter measures. In December 2023, he announced new measures to protect players, including requiring providers to contact players who have set a deposit limit of €350. Operators are also mandated to inform such players of the risks of gambling in high amounts.

Weerwind’s other proposals involve exhibiting financial amounts in euros and pushing for further research on overarching gaming limits. In October 2023, he also announced a multi-year digital resilience campaign program to combat fraud associated with online gambling.

Weerwind stated in a letter that everyone who wants to should be able to play a game of chance responsibly. However, he also acknowledged that responsible gaming can turn into problematic gambling and that players must be aware of this and be protected against it. He noted that research shows that providers encourage players to bet more money than they can afford to lose, indicating a need for more robust protective measures in the industry.

Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), has released its trading report for Q1 2024, revealing key insights into its performance and future growth strategies.

The report highlights that in improving the operational performance of the business, driving organic revenue growth. The total Group Net Gaming Revenue (NGR), including a 50 percent share of BetMGM, was up by 6 percent, and down by 3 percent on a proforma basis. This performance aligns with the company’s expectations.

In the UK and Ireland, NGR was down by 7 percent (Online -9 percent, Retail -6 percent) due to the ongoing effects of regulatory implementation. However, the company’s actions that are driving operational improvements, coupled with the levelling of the UK regulatory landscape, are expected to position its brands well for growth into 2025.

Internationally, NGR was up by 8 percent, and down by 2 percent on a proforma basis (Online -1 percent, Retail -8 percent). Despite expected softness in Australia, Netherlands, and Germany, there was a positive performance across many markets. Particularly encouraging was the return to good year-on-year growth in Brazil, driven by ongoing operational improvements initiated in 2023. However, despite strong volume growth, NGR in Italy was impacted by customer-friendly sports margins.

Entain’s Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) operations continued to perform well, with NGR up by 11 percent (Online +11 percent, Retail +9 percent) on a proforma basis. SuperSport in Croatia performed particularly strongly.

BetMGM delivered Q1 NGR up by 2 percent year-on-year, with a 14 percent market share in sports betting and iGaming in the markets where it operates. The continuing iGaming strength was offset by customer-friendly win margins across online and retail sportsbooks. Adjusting for the impact of sports margin, estimated Q1 NGR would have been high single-digit positive. BetMGM saw strong growth in customer acquisition, supported by successful Super Bowl and March Madness engagement and improving app and product capabilities. With an enhanced player experience and an exciting pipeline ahead, including more Angstrom-powered offerings, BetMGM is well-positioned to invest for future growth.

Stella David, Interim CEO of Entain, commented on the Q1 performance, expressing satisfaction with the progress being made against the company’s plan to accelerate . She highlighted the strong performances in many markets and the known challenges in others. She also noted the level of customer engagement in the US following a successful Super Bowl and March Madness, as well as the return to growth in Brazil following the changes implemented.

David emphasized that while there is still more to do, the team is fully engaged in delivering operational improvements, product enhancements, as well as greater organisational agility and efficiency. She expressed confidence in the company’s strategic priorities of organic revenue growth, margin expansion, and winning in the U.S., and believes that their continued focused execution will drive organic growth into 2025 and beyond. This detailed analysis of Entain’s Q1 2024 performance provides valuable insights into the company’s strategies and future prospects in the global sports betting and gaming industry.

Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country and the richest microstate, is known for its glamour, wealth, and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. On the other side of the world, Macau, a special administrative region of China, has earned the title of the “Las Vegas of Asia,” boasting the world’s largest casino, operated by

In a strategic move to attract Asian investors, Frederic Genta, Monaco’s Secretary for Attractiveness, Development, and Digital Transformation, (pictured above), u Genta’s mission was clear: to leverage the close relationship between Monaco and Galaxy Entertainment Group to pitch to investors in the Greater Bay Area, which spans Macau, Hong Kong, and nine cities in China’s Guangdong province.

In 2015, Galaxy paid a modest €42.4 million for a 5 percent stake in Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM), a Monaco government-controlled company that owns the Monte Carlo Casino. This investment marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership, with Galaxy and SBM collaborating on various ventures, from exploring new casino opportunities across Asia to co-sponsoring cultural exchanges between Monaco and China.

Genta’s visit to Macau was not just about courting big businesses. He also aimed to attract the ultra-wealthy whose riches are managed through so-called family offices. After spending two days in Macau, Genta crossed the Pearl River Delta for a similar round of meetings in Hong Kong, organized by Galaxy.

Monaco’s relationship with China is noteworthy. Despite geopolitical tensions, Monaco, which is not a member of the European Union, maintains better relations with China than some of its neighbours. In 2019, it became the first European country to roll out a 5G phone network using technology supplied by Huawei, a company that the U.S. and some of its allies have shunned on security grounds.

The partnership between Galaxy and SBM is seen as a major asset as Galaxy explores new markets. Casino operators in Macau and those seeking entry to places such as Japan, Thailand, and the Persian Gulf are under increasing pressure from governments to reduce their dependence on gambling revenue. Instead, they are expected to transform their businesses into “integrated resorts” offering more non-gambling attractions.

SBM, despite holding a monopoly in one of the world’s most famous gambling hubs, last year earned 68 percent of its revenue from non-gaming activities, mostly from luxury hotels. Monaco also hosts a legendary annual Formula One race and the regular Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament, attracting some of the world’s best players.

The collaboration between Monaco and Macau is a testament to the potential of strategic partnerships in the global casino industry. As Galaxy’s representative on the SBM board, Troy Hickox, aptly described Monaco, it is “essentially the world’s first iteration of the luxury integrated resort.” This partnership is a high-stakes bet that could redefine the future of the global casino industry.

In February 2024, Denmark’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) saw a significant increase, reaching DKK 587 million ($83.7 million), marking an 18 percent rise from the previous year and a 7 percent increase from the preceding month. This surge in revenue is a positive sign for the , which had seen a decline in total gambling expenditure for two consecutive years.

Online casinos played a substantial role in this growth, accounting for 47 percent of the GGR at DKK 278 million, reflecting a 19 percent annual increase. Slot games dominated the online casino GGR, contributing 77 percent, followed by roulette and blackjack, each accounting for 7 percent, and bingo at 3 percent.

Sports betting also saw a significant increase, rising by 33 percent to DKK 178 million. Interestingly, the majority of wagers were placed on mobile devices, accounting for 70 percent of all bets. This shift towards mobile betting highlights the growing trend of on-the-go gambling, with only 14 percent of bets placed on PCs and 16 percent at land-based retail outlets.

The most popular day for sports betting was Saturday, while Thursday saw the highest value of online casino play, almost double that of other days.

Land-based casinos also experienced growth, with the GGR increasing by 7 percent to DKK 32 million, translating to an average daily GGR of DKK 1.1 million. This steady growth indicates a continued interest in traditional casino gaming, despite the rise of online platforms.

In February alone, a total of 62 StopSpillet (StopGambling) conversations were held, with players making up 42 percent of these and 55 percent involving relatives. This highlights the importance of accessible responsible gaming charities and organizations, especially considering that 13 percent of players facing gambling-related harm reported having both debt and payday loans.

Interestingly, 71 percent of the relatives who reached out to StopSpillet were women, and 39 percent were partners, indicating the wider social impact of gambling-related issues.

With the recent upturn in GGR and the shift in betting habits, it seems the might be on the verge of a turnaround. However, the importance of responsible gaming measures remains paramount to ensure a sustainable and healthy gambling environment. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming months.

In Belgium's recent political developments, a contentious issue has emerged involving Georges-Louis Bouchez, (pictured above) the leader of the Mouvement Reformateur (MR) party, and his alleged connections to the gambling industry. This matter has raised significant concerns about governance and the influence of lobbying on political decisions.

Reports suggest that Bouchez has been advocating for the interests of gambling lobbies, particularly in guiding MR’s policy to favour these groups. Notably, he has been instrumental in securing advertising ban exemptions for amateur sports clubs. The controversy intensified when an article detailing these links was removed from a Francophone magazine’s website, leading to speculation about Bouchez’s direct intervention.

The situation has prompted discussions about the extent of lobbying power in the democratic process. Political figures have expressed frustration with MR’s resistance to gambling industry regulation, citing Bouchez’s significant sway over the party’s stance. This resistance is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a surge in gambling popularity in Belgium, attributed to the legalization of online gambling and relaxed advertising rules.

Beyond his political role, Bouchez’s personal sponsorships and associations further complicate the narrative. His sponsorship by Ladbrokes and connections to former MR MP Damien Thiéry, now a lobbyist for the (BAGO), underscore the intertwined interests between politics and the gambling sector.

As the debate continues, the future of gambling regulation in Belgium remains uncertain. With the MR and other parties opposing stringent measures, the potential for more protective legislation is unclear. The ongoing scrutiny of Bouchez’s actions and the broader implications for governance and regulation will likely persist as a focal point in Belgian politics.

The public perception of this issue is not explicitly stated in the search results. However, it’s clear that the issue has sparked a lot of controversy and discussion in Belgium. The alleged links between Georges-Louis Bouchez and the gambling industry have been a topic of intense scrutiny in the media.

The rise in gambling addiction and its social consequences have The resistance of the Mouvement Reformateur (MR) party, led by Bouchez, to more stringent advertising regulation has been criticized. This resistance is particularly notable given the significant increase in online gambling and the social effects it produces.

However, without specific surveys or polls, it’s difficult to accurately gauge the overall public sentiment towards Bouchez’s alleged ties to the gambling lobby. For a more comprehensive understanding, further research or public opinion polls would be necessary. Please note that this information is based on the available search results and may not fully represent the views of all Belgian citizens.

Few topics have dominated recent conversations in the betting and iGaming industry as much as the search for the next CEO of Entain, the FTSE-100 conglomerate that owns Ladbrokes, Coral, Gala Bingo, Bwin, and BetMGM.

The position was left vacant when Jette Nygaard-Andersen, the former CEO, unexpectedly resigned 11 days before Christmas. Since then, the role has been filled on

One of the favourites for the role, Richard Flint, (pictured above), has ruled himself out. Flint, who had a successful stint as the CEO of Sky Betting and Gaming, recently stepped down as a non-executive director of Flutter Entertainment. Despite speculation, Flint has stated that he is not seeking another executive position. He is currently Chair of the dog food subscription service Butternut Box and the premium ticket and hospitality platform Seat Unique.

The search for a new CEO comes at a pivotal time for Entain. The company is working its way through the changes in the betting and gaming industry, with increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need for innovation and digital transformation.

Entain's incoming CEO will be stepping into a chess game of strategic foresight and operational acumen. And the task would be to balance these changes and deliver shareholder value whilst maintaining as an industry lead. The gaming industry’s ever-changing rules demand a leader who can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring Entain’s success. Entain is contending with a substantial debt burden and the necessity for successful strategies in key markets such as Brazil and the US, where challenges have arisen in its joint venture with MGM. Insiders suggest that Entain may even need to streamline operations and potentially reduce headcount to enhance efficiency and performance..

This necessitates a departure from Nygaard-Andersen’s M&A-centric approach, shifting towards asset sales in mature markets like Australia to generate capital.

She was known for her deal-thirsty approach. Her leadership was marked by an insatiable appetite for Mergers and Acquisitions, reflecting a strategic vision focused on growth and expansion. However, this aggressive M&A strategy also brought its share of challenges, leaving a legacy that the new CEO will need to examine carefully. Her approach elicited mixed reactions from investors and stakeholders

Nygaard-Andersen’s departure was unexpected and left a significant gap, however it was a timely exit prior to the situation turning significantly challenging. Her tenure was marked by a 35 percent decline in the company’s market value. Despite a less-than-ideal track record during her tenure, Nygaard-Andersen's exit raises concerns about the group’s susceptibility to a takeover.

The incoming CEO of Entain must confront a substantial £3 billion debt burden, exceeding three times next year’s projected EBITDA. Stella David, who stepped in as the interim CEO, brings a wealth of experience to the role She has held senior roles in several large consumer-facing businesses and currently holds non-executive and independent director roles at several companies, including Entain. Her leadership during this transitional period has been crucial in calming the troubled waters and steering Entain towards stability and growth.

On one hand, her aggressive M&A strategy was seen as a key driver of Entain’s growth. Under her leadership, Entain acquired several brands in regulated territories, allowing the company to quickly gain a presence and scale in new or growing markets2. This strategy was in line with the company’s target of generating 100 percent of revenue from locally regulated markets. On the other hand, some investors and stakeholders expressed concerns about this approach. Criticism centred on slow revenue growth at Entain, as well as the increasing regulatory obligations. which acquired a 4.4 percent stake in Entain, labelled Nygaard-Andersen’s departure a “necessary” first step to recovery. While Nygaard-Andersen’s M&A strategy contributed to Entain’s expansion, it also raised concerns among some investors and stakeholders about the company’s growth and regulatory compliance.

Nygaard-Andersen is currently on the board of several companies, including Coloplast A/S, a Danish multinational company that develops, manufactures and markets medical devices and services related to ostomy, urology, continence, and wound care. Nordic Entertainment Group Denmark A/S, an investment company with interests in trading and marketing of goods, financing of satellite receivers, leasing, and distribution of TV programmes. In addition, she was the Chief Executive Officer for MTG Broadcasting AB, a part of Modern Times Group MTG AB, which is a Swedish pure-play gaming entertainment investment company.

The search for Entain’s new CEO is more than just a game of chance. It’s a strategic move that will not only shape the future of the company but that of the betting and gaming industry. Whoever steps into the role will have a significant task ahead, steering Entain through a period of change and uncertainty. Establishing a path for the company's successful future has now become a prerequisite.

The hunt for an exceptional CEO is far from over.

Italy's has recently unveiled a comprehensive framework for online gambling licenses, markinThis new framework, published as an amendment to the ongoing ‘Reorganization of Gambling’ legislation, aims to resolve longstanding legal disputes between the ADM (Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency) and licensed operators over conflicting terms of license renewal. Previously, government intervention had prevented the ADM from terminating licenses due to expire in 2023 and 2024.

The new settlement will authorize new online gambling concessions by the end of 2024, with licenses limited to nine years and priced at €7 million ($7.5 million). This represents a significant increase from the previous license fee of €200,000 ($214,834) set in 2018, requiring Italian online gambling operators to pay a premium 35 times higher than before. The Ministry of Finance (MEF) justified the increased fee, arguing that it reflects the evolving landscape of Italian online gambling since 2011. The sector is currently dominated by conglomerates such as SNAI, Flutter Entertainment, Lottomatica, Entain, and SKS365. However, online gambling trade body Logico has contested the price hike, viewing it as a means to suppress competition and satisfy the ADM’s demands to reduce the number of operators in the market. Under the new framework, each license will also be subject to an annual fee of 3 percent of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) after taxes.

Operators are further restricted to operating one app per gambling product and one website per concessionaire, with no affiliated ‘skins’ websites permitted. The Ministry of Economy and Finance estimates that at least 50 operators will apply for the concession to renew their licences.

The MEF supports the government’s framework and projects gaming-related taxes to increase by €350 million ($376 million) over the next two years (€200 million in 2024 and €150 million in 2025). Concession fees alone are expected to generate €100 million ($107 million) in new annual revenue. The framework also introduces Applicants must ensure that platforms have playing limits set by customers and send warning messages when these limits are close to being exceeded. The ADM will also be granted additional powers to combat unlicensed online gambling, including measures such as payment blocking.

In related news, the government is set to launch a tender to operate Italy’s Lotto Euro game, currently managed by IGT until November 2025. Lotto Euro anticipates a €7.7 billion annual turnover after 2025 and offers approximately €200 million in net annual revenue for nine years. The government has set a starting bid for the Lotto tender of €1 billion, with payment installments specified for when the tender is awarded and for the following years of its contract. This move signifies the government’s commitment to expanding and diversifying the country’s gambling industry while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.

The betting industry in Cyprus has experienced a significant upturn, with the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) witnessing a 6 percent increase in 2023. The National Betting Authority of Cyprus has released the financial figures for both land-based and online betting for the fourth quarter and the entire year of 2023, providing a detailed insight into the industry’s performance.

The report categorizes the two types of betting as Class A and Class B, representing land-based and online betting, respectively. The fourth quarter saw a surge in comprehensive income, profit distribution, and GGR for both classes, indicating a positive trend across the industry.

The online sector (Class B) generated a GGR of over €19 million ($20.2 million) for the quarter, while the land-based sector (Class A) contributed €14.8 million to the total GGR. The combined GGR for both sectors reached €30.9 million, marking a 9 percent year-on-year increase.

The total comprehensive income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was €325.6 million, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Of this, €235.1 million was attributed to Class B betting, and €90.5 million was generated by Class A betting.

When examining the full year’s performance, the total GGR was set at €123.4 million, reflecting a 6 percent growth rate compared to 2022. Class A GGR experienced a slight decrease of 0.2 percent to €54.5 million, while Class B saw a substantial rise of 12 percent to €68.9 million.

The total comprehensive income for the year exceeded the billion mark, reaching €1.1bn. The online sector continued to dominate, contributing €799.1 million (a 17 percent increase), while the land-based sector grew 12 percent year-on-year to €310.1m.

These figures reflect the robust growth and positive trajectory of the betting industry in Cyprus, with both land-based and online betting contributing significantly to the industry’s overall performance. The upward trend in GGR and comprehensive income indicates a promising.

New regulations and initiatives are shaping the future of both land-based and online betting in Cyprus

In September, Cyprus launched updated safer gambling regulations. These new rules are designed to promote responsible gambling and protect consumers. They focus on four key areas: providing information to consumers to promote responsible gambling, requirements for safer gambling tools, stake and deposit limits, and improving safeguards to prevent underage gambling.

In addition to these safer gambling regulations, the National Betting Authority (NBA) of Cyprus has introduced a National Self-Exclusion Platform (NSEP). This initiative, launched on February 20, 2024, empowers players to take control of their gambling habits. It’s a significant step towards promoting responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable players.

The betting industry in Cyprus is also adapting to the digital age. With the increased adoption of cryptocurrencies by, there’s a development of more sophisticated blockchain-based betting systems. This has led to enhanced regulatory frameworks tailored to cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring that the industry remains secure and trustworthy in the face of new technology.

These regulatory changes aim to promote responsible gambling, protect consumers, and adapt to the evolving landscape of the betting industry. It’s important to note that these changes may have a significant impact on both land-based and online betting sectors in Cyprus.

The betting industry in Cyprus is on a positive trajectory, with regulatory changes and new initiatives paving the way for a safer and more responsible future. The industry is not only adapting to changes but also proactively shaping its future, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and important part of Cyprus’ economy.