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.

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.

In a report published in this week, it was revealed that children in the UK are being inundated with gambling advertisements and related content online. This is despite existing regulations that restrict such promotional campaigns from targeting young audiences. The research, commissioned by GambleAware, a charity funded by contributions from gambling companies, found that children are struggling to understand the risks associated with online gambling due to the blurred boundaries between betting advertisements and popular online casino-style games.

about the appeal of gambling advertisements featuring cartoon graphics to children. For instance, a gambling company recently promoted a new online slots game on social media using three cartoon frogs, encouraging people to join the “ribbiting rascals” for a dip. This has led GambleAware to call for stricter regulations to limit the exposure of young people to such advertising.

The research conducted by the charity revealed that children find it challenging to differentiate between gambling products and content that resembles gambling, such as mobile phone games that involve in-app purchases. Zoë Osmond, the Chief Executive of GambleAware, expressed her concern about the findings. She stated, "This research shows that gambling content is now part of many children’s lives. This is worrying, as early exposure to gambling can normalise gambling for children at a young age, and lead to problems. We need to see more restrictions put on gambling advertising and content to ensure it is not appearing in places where children can see it. Urgent action is needed to protect children.”

The study was based on interviews with children and young people aged between seven and 25 about the impact of gambling on their lives. It found that young people felt their online activity was saturated with gambling promotions and gambling-like content. The report suggested that a broader definition of gambling might be necessary to include excessive or compulsive engagement with online games that have elements of betting, such as loot boxes, which can be purchased with virtual currencies or real money, and free fruit-machine slot games on platforms like Google Play.

Nicki Karet, the Managing Director of Sherbert Research, which collaborated on the study, commented on the confusing grey area between online gambling and gambling-like gaming. She noted that this grey area is further complicated because gambling advertising, especially online, often uses visuals and tonal expressions that seem to directly target children, such as cartoon graphics, bright colours, and sounds.

Under current advertising rules, gambling firms are prohibited from using promotions targeted at children or likely to strongly appeal to children or young people. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld complaints against gambling firms that have used characters like Father Christmas, Spider-Man, and the mascot from the Monopoly board game in their advertisements.

While firms are advised against using cartoon or animated figures to promote gambling, there is no blanket ban. For example, the online casino 32Red was recently promoting a Fat Frogs online slots game on a social media app with an image of three cartoon frogs and piles of gold coins.

Dr Raffaello Rossi, a lecturer in marketing at Bristol University who has researched the effects of gambling advertising on young people, argued that regulators have done “too little, too late” to deal with the vast amount of online promotions that might appeal to children. He called for the development of new advertising codes to better protect young audiences from such content.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has signed a decree aimed at counteracting the negative effects of online gambling. This move, announced today, proposes a ban on online gambling for the military until the end of martial law.

The decision comes in the wake of increasing public discussions about the negative social impacts of gambling. A petition demanding restrictions on online gambling recently passed the threshold for presidential consideration, highlighting the growing concern among the public. Zelensky’s support for the National Security and Defense Council’s decision comes after his announcement that the government was preparing to tighten control over the online gambling industry in Ukraine. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on.

The decree tasks the government with defining . A particular focus will be on ads using the symbols of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and other military formations. This move is likely to significantly reduce the visibility and reach of such advertisements, thereby limiting their influence.

In addition to the advertising restrictions, the decree also includes a large-scale information campaign on the danger of gambling. This campaign will aim to raise public awareness about the risks associated with gambling and provide information on prevention and treatment options. The introduction of an online monitoring system and the blocking of illegal gambling websites are also part of the decree. These measures will help in curbing the accessibility and prevalence of online gambling.

Ukraine’s Security Service has been tasked with examining gambling organizers for compliance with the legislation within two months. This will ensure that all gambling activities are conducted in accordance with the law. The Commander-in-Chief and the leadership of military units are tasked to prohibit military personnel from accessing gambling facilities and online casinos. This is a significant step towards protecting the military personnel from the potential harms of gambling.

In early April, the Parliamentary Finance Committee supported a bill that included the liquidation of the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and passing its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry. This move indicates a shift in the regulatory oversight of the gambling industry.

It’s worth noting that gambling was officially banned in Ukraine in 2009 until its legalization in 2020. In the first two months of 2024, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023. These figures underscore the significant financial impact of the gambling industry.

Zelensky’s decree represents a comprehensive and robust approach to tackling the issue of online gambling in. It reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly the military personnel, from the potential harms of gambling.

In a joint effort targeting transnational crime, Cambodia and China collaborated to extradite 130 Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in gambling and fraud-related offences. This coordinated action underscores the commitment of both nations to combat cross-border criminal activities through cooperation between law enforcement agencies.  

This development followed a  last month on illegal online gambling operations, resulting in the detention of nearly 200 foreigners who also faced deportation.  

In a report by The Nation, the extradition process saw the suspects flown back to China via chartered flights to Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan, Hubei province. This marks the commencement of a planned series of extraditions to disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.   

Efforts to combat transnational crimes, such as gambling and telecom fraud, remain ongoing, with both China and  demonstrating a commitment to eradicating illegal activities that threaten the security and well-being of their citizens. According to the report, the extradition of the 130 Chinese nationals represents a proactive measure in this sustained crackdown.  

The close collaboration between Chinese and Cambodian law enforcement agencies has yielded significant results, including the dismantling of illegal gambling and fraud operations in areas like Preah Sihanouk. Through joint efforts, numerous individuals suspected of criminal offenses have been apprehended, and key evidence, including servers, computers, and mobile phones, has been seized.  

Under the direction of China's Ministry of Public Security, a dedicated working group from Hubei province has joined forces with Cambodian authorities to facilitate the extradition process. This multilateral approach highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crime and ensuring the effective administration of justice.  

With more individuals suspected of similar offenses slated for extradition to China, it is evident that both nations remain steadfast in their commitment to combating cross-border criminal activities. 

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The Supreme Court of intervened to halt the ongoing trial against Santiago Martin, popularly known as the Lottery King, in a money laundering case being heard in a special court in Kerala under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). 

Martin, previously making headlines for his significant donations to the South Asian political parties via the now-defunct Electoral Bonds Scheme, found himself in legal crosshairs once again. Challenging a Kerala court's decision to proceed with the trial despite pending matters, Martin petitioned the apex court to reconsider the trial's continuation. 

According to a report by India Today, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued a stay order on the trial while summoning the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for further proceedings. The court underscored the need for a thorough examination of the case before proceeding, setting the next hearing for July 12. 

“We make it clear that even if the charge is framed, the trial will not commence in PMLA cases till further orders,” the court emphasized during the hearing. 

The report also said that Martin's legal team, led by senior counsel Aditya Sondhi, invoked legal precedents and argued that the PMLA proceedings should await the conclusion of the primary case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Sondhi pointed to a Supreme Court ruling from 2022, emphasizing that PMLA proceedings must align with the outcome of the predicate case. 

The intricate legal saga unfolds against the backdrop of a complex web of allegations stemming from a 2014 lottery scam. Initially investigated by the CBI, the case led to charges against Martin and others. Subsequently, the ED filed a complaint for money laundering in 2018, sparking a legal battle that continues to unfold. 

Martin's plea highlights the pending discharge application before the special court, underscoring the interdependence of legal proceedings.

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Nicolas Hamilton, brother of seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, (both pictured above, Nicolas on left), is no stranger to adversity. Born with cerebral palsy, he became the first disabled driver to compete against able-bodied rivals in the British Touring Car Championship. However, his most challenging race was not on the track, but against an all-consuming gambling addiction.

In his new book, ‘Now That I Have Your Attention’, Nicolas candidly shares his struggle with gambling, which began innocently with a £2 bet on Arsenal to score a goal. This seemingly harmless wager spiraled into a six-month binge of online casinos and blackjack, played in the solitude of his bedroom.

Nicolas’ addiction took a heavy toll, both financially and emotionally. He was forced to sell a Mercedes C63, a gift from his brother Lewis, to pay off a tax bill. The shame of using this cherished gift to settle his debts was overwhelming. “I felt so ashamed, using this amazing gift to pay my tax bill. It felt like I had practically stolen the money from my brother and I have never forgiven myself for that,” he writes in his book.

His addiction led him to a dark place, where he contemplated suicide. “I got a real wake-up call. I had no way of going forward because I’d lost everything. I was stuck. I had a balcony at my flat and I was thinking what would I do if I just jumped off it,” he reveals.

During this time, his brother Lewis was dominating the F1 championship with Mercedes, earning an eight-figure salary. Despite his family’s success, Nicolas felt unable to share his struggles with them. Instead, he turned to the Samaritans helpline for support.

Nicolas’ story is a stark reminder of the destructive power of addiction. But it’s also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite his struggles, Nicolas continues to inspire millions through his racing career and his courage in sharing his personal journey.

In an interview with The Times, he reflects on his addiction, saying, “I wanted more of the winnings - and the losing didn’t really deter me. It just got me in a cycle. I couldn’t stop thinking about it - I just wanted to go back to my computer.”

Nicolas’ story serves as a powerful reminder that addiction does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or status. His courage in sharing his story offers hope to others facing similar struggles, proving that it is possible to overcome addiction and reclaim one’s life. As Nicolas continues his journey, he remains a beacon of resilience and determination, both on and off the track.

In a bold move to curb the influence of the gambling industry, Romania has passed a law banning gambling venues in small towns and villages with populations of less than 15,000 residents. This law, known as the “law of slot machines,” was unanimously passed by Alfred Simonis, the leader of the Social Democrats, hailed it as the first law adopted in Parliament in 30 years against the gambling industry, which he referred to as a mafia that has controlled the political world until now.

The gambling industry, which Simonis claims has a total turnover of €10-12 billion, has expressed dissatisfaction with the new law. Industry figures have complained about not being consulted and expressed hope that the authorities will control the black market as they promised.

Despite the unanimous vote, there was some dissent within the chamber. Two opposition parties that want to ban the “scourge” of gambling outright accuse the government of collusion with the gaming sector for not taking a stronger position. Ionut Mosteanu, the leader of the opposition USR, (pictured above), questioned how lawmakers had set the threshold. He argued that the lawmakers seemed to believe that slot machines only damage 15,000 people and questioned why the threshold was not set higher.

Over the last few decades, gambling venues have become ubiquitous across Romania. The National Gaming Office, the state body that monitors and approves the sector, has registered The state collects taxes from gambling venue licenses and online ticket sales, as well as from the amount betting houses spend on advertising.

There are no recent data to indicate how many people in Romania are addicted to gambling. The last survey, conducted in 2016, suggested that there could be around 100,000 addicted people across the country. The number today could be much higher. Recent research carried out by Save the Children shows that one in seven children in Romania spends money on gambling, while one in 10 lives in families where one of the parents does. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of gambling addiction in the country. The new law is a step in that direction, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be in curbing the influence of the gambling industry.

The Gambling Commission's Corporate Strategy for 2024 to 2027 is a comprehensive plan designed to guide the regulation of the gambling industry in Great Britain over the next three years. The strategy is a response to the evolving nature of gambling, particularly in the digital age and the changes brought about by the global pandemic. It aims to ensure that gambling remains fair, safe, and free from crime, while also addressing the significant reforms outlined in the Government's White Paper on gambling reform.

A key aspect of the strategy is the commitment to using data and analytics to enhance the effectiveness of gambling regulation. The Commission plans to invest in data storage and analysis capabilities, as well as in the development of its personnel, to improve decision-making processes and operational performance. This will involve updating current systems to allow for more effective data use, which will lead to better outcomes for consumers, the public, and licensees.

The strategy also emphasizes the importance of public and licensee engagement through clear and open consultations, ensuring that all parties can contribute to discussions on regulatory changes. The Commission will measure progress through feedback and insights, maintaining sound financial management and adhering to Government and Treasury guidelines.

The Commission recognises its workforce as its most valuable asset and intends to enhance engagement and organizational effectiveness. This will involve attracting and retaining diverse and talented individuals, developing leadership skills, and embedding inclusion in the workplace. Progress will be tracked using various indicators, including surveys and diversity representation.

To deepen its understanding of the gambling market and consumer behaviour, the Commission will collect operator data more regularly and conduct high-quality consumer research. This will enable the Commission to provide authoritative advice and statistics on gambling in Great Britain and ensure that interventions are well-targeted and evidence-based.

The outlines five areas of focus, which include improving regulatory data use, enhancing communication with licensees and the public, and ensuring the successful operation of the National Lottery. Progress will be measured against operational performance indicators and through qualitative and quantitative measures, such as the implementation of the licensee's bid and the levels of returns to good causes.

Cross-cutting enablers such as a strong governance framework, automation of systems, and a digital-first approach will support the Commission's work. The Commission will also review how it communicates requirements and guidance to ensure clarity and compliance.

In summary, the Gambling Commission's strategy is ambitious and multifaceted, aiming to adapt to the changing gambling landscape and improve regulation through better use of data, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on its workforce. The Commission is committed to transparency and will report on its progress annually, demonstrating improvements and adapting its approach as necessary to achieve its goal of a gambling industry that is fairer, safer, and crime-free.

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