Dutch Gaming Authority Chairman voices concerns over online gambling ad ban 

As iGaming offerings expand, mobile self-exclusion software is gaining popularity.

In recent years, tools like , Gamban, or Gamblock have innovated ways for problem gamblers to opt out of gambling. BetBlocker, a market leader, recently secured two partnerships: one with a cryptocurrency casino and another with an AI-driven analytics provider.

BetBlocker, a non-profit, free-to-use software, helps bettors seeking self-exclusion and is entirely funded through charitable donations. Recent partnerships aim to expand the software's reach through funding and additional resources.

As a digital tool, BetBlocker is more versatile than traditional self-exclusion programmes. Users can not only self-exclude for periods ranging from days to years, but also limit access to betting platforms during recurring specific vulnerable times, such as evening or week-ends. The app includes parental control options. It can also target gambling advertisements.

In the USA, a programme will soon enable , adapting traditional methods to modern and often digitised gambling, acknowledging the necessity for programmes that transcend geographical boundaries. The strength of self-exclusion software lies in its ability to target operators worldwide.

BetBlocker cannot be uninstalled like other apps. It states: "Gambling addiction often involves an inability to control wagering impulses. Therefore, the tool would fail if disabled during a Gambling Self-Restriction. Once activated, a Gambling Self-Restriction cannot be lifted. We ensure BetBlocker is as difficult as possible to remove during a Gambling Self-Restriction. Our User Support Team will not assist in removing it while restrictions are active."

Some users have reported in online reviews that the app doesn't function properly on their phones, despite its claimed coverage of over 83,000 gambling websites. Besides technical issues, a reason cited for occasional malfunctions is that some casinos try to bypass blocking apps by slightly altering their URLs when they detect a user might be using such software.

BetBlocker relies partly on users to report gambling sites not yet blocked by the app in order to broaden its reach. Securing additional funding through partnerships is also crucial for the charity.

Looking ahead, the gaming industry will shift its focus to Eastern Europe this September with the SiGMA By Soft2Bet in Budapest.

Entain has found itself at the centre of a substantial legal dispute. Investors are set to demand compensation exceeding £100 million due to the company’s inadequate disclosure of bribery and corruption incidents within its past Turkish division.

Entain is currently in discussions for a deferred prosecution agreement with the Crown Prosecution Service. This is in relation to an ongoing investigation by HM Revenue & Customs into potential corporate offenses tied to Entain’s past online betting and gaming business in Turkey, which was under its ownership from 2011 until its divestment in 2017.

The investigation by HMRC is comprehensive, delving into possible violations of the Bribery Act 2010, specifically section 7, and scrutinizing past actions of former third-party suppliers and past employees of Entain. The company has recognized the possibility of such misconduct and is actively cooperating with both HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Although the final results of the investigation and any consequent financial penalties are not yet finalized, and fortified its anti-bribery policies and procedures, enhancing its overall compliance framework.

Given that the situation is fluid and subject to change, those interested in the most current developments should stay attuned to the latest statements from Entain and the pertinent regulatory authorities for updates.

Following Entain’s substantial settlement with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which ranks among the heftiest financial sanctions in UK history, the legal firm Fox Williams has initiated legal action. In the closing month of 2023, Entain consented to a payment approaching £600 million subsequent to an inquiry into suspected bribery.

The market valuation of Entain has seen a precipitous fall, with its shares dwindling by nearly half since the initial announcement in May 2023 of an expected significant fine from HMRC. The accord, concluded in November, encompassed a monetary fine and the forfeiture of illicit profits. Entain also pledged a charitable contribution of £20 million and an additional £10 million to defray the expenses of HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The investigation’s roots trace back to 2019, scrutinizing potential corporate transgressions by Entain’s Turkish online betting and gaming enterprise, held from 2011 to 2017, and the actions of third-party vendors and erstwhile group employees. Formerly operating as GVC Holdings, Entain faced criticism for lacking adequate safeguards against bribery that could advantage the corporation.

The disclosure of this probe in July 2020, particularly targeting the erstwhile Turkish subsidiary of Ladbrokes, led to a notable 12 percent plunge in Entain’s stock value. Nonetheless, an Entain representative has conveyed that the firm is presently not cognizant of any such legal proceedings and has not been served with any formal claim, affirming their readiness to contest any such allegations vigorously.

Andrew Hill, a partner at Fox Williams and leader of the securities litigation team, has stressed that the lawsuit aims not just to recoup investor losses but also to fortify transparency and governance within the UK gambling industry. Hill aspires for this case to catalyze enhanced corporate conduct, reminding publicly traded companies of their imperative to honour disclosure duties.

Hill’s involvement in significant shareholder claims is not unprecedented. He is currently managing a £100 million lawsuit against the online fashion retailer Boohoo, stemming from 2020 accusations of supplier malpractice, and has previously overseen out-of-court settlements of claims against Tesco.

The Entain case reflects the wider ramifications for corporate governance and the accountability of publicly listed firms to their shareholders. It relates to the necessity of transparency and ethical behaviour, not merely as legal mandates but as essential elements for sustaining investor confidence and market integrity. The resolution of this lawsuit may establish a benchmark for future similar legal challenges and potentially shape corporate conduct industry-wide.

Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc., listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, has secured an additional $17 million (€15.87 million) loan from its parent company, Hong Kong-listed LET Group Holdings Ltd. This loan aims to support the ongoing development of Suntrust's major project, a $1 billion (€934 million) casino hotel in Parañaque City's Entertainment City.  

The loan agreement, approved by Suntrust’s board of directors, stipulates a repayment period of ten years and is expected to positively impact the company’s business operations and financial condition. 

The forthcoming casino hotel, named Westside City Hotel, is set to become the fourth casino facility in Entertainment City, following Solaire Resort and Casino, City of Dreams Manila, and Okada Manila. Suntrust anticipates the hotel's opening in early 2025. Westside City Hotel will feature 475 luxury hotel rooms, two theatres with seating capacities of 1,000 and 800, respectively, and extensive gaming facilities, including 1,126 slot machines, 281 gaming tables, and 134 electronic table games. 

Suntrust's project is part of a larger development within Entertainment City, an area known for its cluster of integrated casino resorts. The development also includes amenities such as a pool deck, spa, wellness centre, ballroom, multiple theatres including a grand opera house, a food mall, and four cinemas, aiming to attract a diverse clientele. 

This new loan complements a $38 million (€35.4 million) secured in April, also designated for the Westside City Hotel project. Additionally, Suntrust previously engaged in a PHP25 billion (€396.77 million) loan agreement with China Banking Corp., led by the Sy family, and a $6 million (€5.6 million) deal with Major Success Group Ltd., another entity under LET Group. These financial arrangements are pivotal in ensuring the completion and success of the Westside City Hotel. 

In 2020, Suntrust partnered with Megawide Construction Corp., owned by tycoon Edgar Saavedra, to co-develop the Westside City project, further bolstering its development capabilities. 

Suntrust’s Westside City Hotel will join the ranks of established casinos in Entertainment City, enhancing Manila’s reputation as a significant gaming and entertainment hub. The company reported a of PHP246.13 million (€3.9 million) in the first quarter of this year, a notable shift from a net profit of PHP92.84 million (€1.47 million) in the same period last year, primarily due to increased expenses. 

Despite recent challenges in the regulated gaming and gambling sector, including issues related to illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and cybercrimes, the industry remains resilient. The launch of new projects like , inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., underscores ongoing investments and confidence in the sector’s growth prospects. 

The Westside City Hotel project not only signifies Suntrust's strategic expansion but also reflects broader trends of robust investment and development within the Philippines' gaming and entertainment industry. 

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming  Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

In today's data-driven world, understanding the nuances of sports betting is crucial. Betsson Sportsbook, collaborating with Sports Handle and GambleID, has conducted an extensive survey encompassing over 32 million sports bettors in the United States. The resulting report provides a comprehensive look into platform preferences, user behaviours, and the future direction of the betting industry.

Why do bettors bet? According to the survey findings, 73% are motivated by the potential for financial gain, while 66% cite their passion for sports and competition as primary drivers.

While placing bets, most respondents rely on personal experience, expert analysis, and statistical data to inform their betting decisions.

Key factors in platform selection include odds displays, cited by 69% of surveyed players as a crucial aspect. A user-friendly interface (65%) and a robust mobile app experience (66%) are also important. Reputation and trustworthiness influence 48% of users. According to the survey, operators, recognising these preferences, are largely prioritising customer support as a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Factors such as loyalty rewards, promotions and variety of betting options also play significant roles, while payment options are less critical.

Approximately 43% of survey participants have installed five or more apps, illustrating the need for operators in this competitive industry to continually improve their offerings to retain and attract a customer base.

Among those , a substantial 59% engage in daily betting activities, favouring popular wagers like point spreads, moneylines, and over/under bets. Despite frequent betting, most participants report modest monthly deposits of under $100, with an annual median deposit of $1,000. Mobile apps are overwhelmingly preferred for their convenience, with many bettors willing to travel less than 10 miles to place their bets.

A significant portion of bettors withdraw their winnings, while others retain funds in their accounts for future betting. Demographically, the survey highlights sports bettors as predominantly male (98%) and largely concentrated between the ages of 25 and 44 (62%).

Looking ahead, sports bettors express strong interest in technological advancements that enhance their overall betting experience. Key areas for improvement include speed and latency, advanced data analytics, improved live streaming capabilities, and personalised betting recommendations. Interestingly, features like virtual reality and AI integration are lower in priority, indicating a preference for practical enhancements over cutting-edge technologies.

Traditional sports, particularly , continue to dominate in terms of betting volume, with operators anticipating significant growth over the next five years.

As technological innovations continue to shape the industry, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for operators seeking to innovate and meet the evolving needs of sports bettors worldwide.

Upcoming SiGMA event: The  2024, in Budapest this September.